I cannot believe I hosted my forth Groundhog Day. Repetition has a way of creeping into our lives but if you told me 5 years ago that I would be flipping pancakes for the next half decade I would of cried. We moved into the Save On Foods underground to avoid the usual monsoon that drenches the die-hard families that come out to get a glimpse at our beloved groundhog Lou. Its 2018 and a reminder that no animals were hurt, tested on or over-pet to produce this weird event. Lou is a stuffed animal that watches over me for most of the year back at the office. Lou is no ordinary stuffy, he goes on multiple field trips throughout the year, popping up regularly on Facebook & Twitter. I believe he more followers than some city councilors. He’s a star!

900 Lou fanatics were seen screaming with delight as the Surrey Dance Group performed something similar to a spring equinox spiritual dance. I had flashbacks to the TV show So You Think You Can Dance. It could have been all the sugar I consumed at the pancake breakfast which was cooked up by some of our reluctant but appreciated RCMP officers. They obviously pulled the short straw but their civic pride was on full display. Red Surge next year would really take the event to the next level.

Luckily, I ate first before hitting up the petting Zoo. Goats are not my favorite as I have to many family farm memories of mucking out the stalls. I skipped the face painting, but I did manage to slip in a quick 9 holes at the mini golf. My game needs some work but I dominated the City of Surrey carnival games. Finally, my mind was blown by the Telus World of Science booth as I sat back with a Safeway cupcake and watched the leaders of tomorrow laugh, run and have fun.

Building community in Newton is an integral part of improving the area. When people that live here are participating in their community an amazing transformation occurs filled with hope, pride and enthusiasm. Weird and silly local events like Groundhog Day provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the little joys in life. Helped along by energetic pop music from Pulse 107.7 FM the kids felt like celebrating with dancing. Some better than others.

A smile comes to my face at the thought of another Ground Hog day. Being an election year maybe we can get our first campaign promise to see the Mayor attend and announce another early Spring. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. See you next year!

Cheers,