Milltown Mel predicts early spring

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Groundhog Wrangler John McNamara of Milltown lifts up Milltown Mel as he makes his annual prediction on Groundhog Day at the American Legion in Milltown, NJ. Milltown Mel did not see his shadow this morning, according to folklore, the spring season will arrive early. The event is in its tenth year. February 2, 2018. Milltown, NJ.

MILLTOWN - Milltown Mel left his tree stump briefly Friday morning to predict an early spring.

"I say once again — citizens of Milltown. Climbing out of my warm bed of hay, this bitter cold winter needs to go away. Looking below me, no shadow I see. I predict an early spring that it will be," said wrangler Jack Bicsko, who announced Mel's prediction to the crowd, which broke out in cheer.

While Milltown Mel and Staten Island Chuck failed to see their shadow, predicting an early spring, Pennsylvania's famous Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.

The Groundhog Day festivities kicked off shortly before daybreak at the American Legion Post No. 25 on JFK Drive in the borough.

Before the sun came up, an enthusiastic crowd waited anxiously for the groundhog's prediction. Wranglers distributed noise makers and T-shirts that on the back read, "It's a Milltown thing!"

Mila and Lily O'Connor, along with their mom, woke up extra early to attend the event for the first time.

Mila, 5, said they came because "it's Groundhog Day."

Milltown Mel again makes his annual prediction on Groundhog Day at the American Legion in Milltown, NJ. Milltown Mel did not see his shadow this morning, according to folklore, the spring season will arrive early. The event is in its tenth year. February 2, 2018. Milltown, NJ.

"I like spring," Mila said. "Spring is better than winter because it's cold in the winter."

Brandon Rivera, 10, of Spotswood, and his mom, Rebecca Rivera, also attended the event for the first time.

"I saw something about it and we decided to come," Rebecca said.

"I'm hoping for an early spring," Brandon said.

Mayor Eric Steeber also was hoping for an early spring prediction.

"I work outside for a living as a land surveyor, and I would love to see an early spring," he said. "I'm just tired of working in winter here."

Steeber said the Groundhog Day festivities are all about fun.

"This gives the community something to look forward to — something to rally around," he said.

Shortly after 7 a.m., the wranglers made their way to the stage. The event kicked off with the singing of the national anthem.

READ: Groundhog Day 2018: Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter

Mel's handler, Jerry Guthlein, welcomed the crowd to the event.

"Good morning, true believers," he said. "Happy Groundhog Day."

Steeber thanked the crowd for attending. The crowd also met the wranglers.

This year, wrangler John McNamara, who bought the Bronson & Guthlein Funeral Home in October 2017, got the honor of removing Mel from his stump.

"When I bought the funeral home, it was part of the package of carrying on this tradition," McNamara said. "I like that it's a very organized community event. I like that it gets the community out together with the kids. I'm hoping for an early spring."

With the help of the children in the crowd chanting "Wake up Mel," Mel emerged from his tree stump to make his prediction.

READ: Milltown Mel, celebrity groundhog, dies

The Groundhog Day celebration was started in the borough 10 years ago by Jerry and Cathy Guthlein. The original Milltown Mel died in July 2015, but his friend took over the name and has carried on the tradition.

Staff Writer Susan Loyer: 732-565-7243; sloyer@gannettnj.com