JESSUP — As the temperature hovered in the single digits and snow flurries fell Sunday morning, Jessup Giuseppe predicted an early spring, much to the delight of hundreds of people huddled around Station Park.
After event organizers were unable to wrangle a “ferocious” groundhog living under Mike McAndrew’s porch, they turned to a weather-prognosticating ferret, belonging to James “Jessup Jim” Salus, to assume the role.
“We started discussing the dilemma at Jak’s Pub & Eatery where ‘Jessup Jim’ was bartending and he said, ‘I just happen to have a magical, mystical ferret who predicts weather trends,’” said McAndrew, owner of Three Saints Barber Shop & Shave Parlor in the borough and one of 15 “founding fathers” for the inaugural Jessup Groundhog Day ceremony.
Salus, the official ferret handler, welcomed the opportunity to participate in the festivities.
“They were going through random animals and I said I have a ferret, and it’s a perfect fit for the venue,” he said.
Suzanne Goddard, a board member for the Jessup 21st Century Association, attended the event with her daughter, Rebecca, and praised the organizers for giving residents a glimpse of Groundhog Day closer to home.
“I thought it was such a great idea,” she said. “We watch the Bill Murray movie ‘Groundhog Day’ and always thought it would be so great to go to Punxsutawney, but that’s a ride and a half, and it’s crazy and insane there, so to have something local is definitely amazing.”
James “Jessup Jim” Salus, official ferret handler, holds up Jessup Giuseppe during the inaugural Jessup Groundhog Day ceremony in the borough’s Station Park on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Youngsters find a good vantage point in a tree for the inaugural Jessup Groundhog Day ceremony 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Station Park on Church Street. Jessup Giuseppe, a ferret, predicted an early spring.(CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Youngsters find a good vantage point on some shoulders for the inaugural Jessup Groundhog Day ceremony 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Station Park on Church Street. Jessup Giuseppe, a ferret, predicted an early spring.(CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Officials kick off the inaugural Jessup Groundhog Day ceremony 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Station Park on Church Street. Jessup Giuseppe, a ferret, predicted an early spring.(CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
A musician plays at the inaugural Jessup Groundhog Day ceremony 8 a.m. Sunday at Station Park on Church Street. Jessup Giuseppe, a ferret, predicted an early spring.(CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Red and white grapes, sitting atop a wine barrel, were used in the Jessup Groundhog Day ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in which Jessup Giuseppe, the ferret, predicted an early spring. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
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James “Jessup Jim” Salus, official ferret handler, holds up Jessup Giuseppe during the inaugural Jessup Groundhog Day ceremony in the borough’s Station Park on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
When Jessup Giuseppe chose a white grape — signifying an early spring — it was an added bonus, Goddard said.
“We were taking guesses about what he was going to predict,” she said. “Rebecca said early spring and was right. From his lips to God’s ears, let’s get that spring coming.”
Among the other attendees were Derek Hunt, 30, of Olyphant, who was decked out in a groundhog costume, and his wife, Kayla.
The couple attended the Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney for the first time last year and made the shorter trek to Jessup on Sunday.
“We really loved it there and wanted to see what it would be like here,” Hunt said. “I felt like I couldn’t miss this opportunity, and I’m pleasantly surprised at how many people were here. I can only imagine it getting bigger.”
Hunt had some doubts about how Jessup would be able to organize an event similar to the spectacle in western Pennsylvania, but was pleasantly surprised by the size of the crowd and attention to detail.
“Originally, I questioned it, but I think the way they did it was very true to tradition and I think it will hold the same value,” he said.
Event President Matt Catanzaro described the day as a symbol of light, positive energy, peace and community joy and was “flabbergasted” by the large crowd that included guests from as far as Florida.
“It was like lightning — people were electrified,” he said. “This community is one-of-a-kind, very tightknit, very close like family, and that shows.”
Catanzaro noted organizers aimed to add some levity to the proceedings during a bitter cold stretch.
“If you can laugh every day, you’re living a good life, and I think we made a lot of people laugh today,” he said.
While the Jessup event differed somewhat from the long-standing event in Punxsutawney, which features a groundhog, Catanzaro tried to incorporate many of the key traditions.
“We do it a little different,” he said. “There is a wine barrel, white and red grapes, sworded guards that escort the ferret, and a timekeeper with a clock mounted to his head. It’s very unique, but very similar in paying homage to the original event. We just put a Jessup spin on it.”
Jessup Borough Councilman Curt Camoni admitted the idea behind the event was a bit untraditional but felt the dedication of the organizers and enthusiasm within the community made it work.
“This started off as something stupid, it’s still stupid, and that’s what makes it awesome,” he said. “People saw a sign that said 8 a.m. come see a rat tell you if you have to wear a coat next week.”
Jessup Giuseppe made his predication around 8:30 a.m. and McAndrew, the event’s honorable grand scroll reader, delivered the news.
“The verdict’s clear … springtime is near,” McAndrew exclaimed.