There are those who would have you believe that it's an event about shadows, groundhogs and even an early spring. But that's simply a tall tale.

It's about fellowship and community and pride.

The Manheim Township Recreation Department (MTRD) will do just about anything to have some fun.

In the early morning hours of Friday, Feb. 2, at Stauffer Park, 1241 Lititz Pike, MTRD will present one of its unique events. That's when the rec department will host its fourth annual Groundhog Day Celebration.

The 30-minute event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

"It's a unique, quirky event," said MTRD director Matt Stopa. "It's stress free. It's a live show. It's nice to bring a different type of event to the community."

"Something like this will stay in people's memories for a while," continued Stopa. "It's not something you see at every municipality. We're just trying to make a fun event."

The celebration will commence sharply at 7 a.m. on that Friday. Somewhere around 7:15 a.m., M.T. Parker, Manheim Township's aptly named plush groundhog mascot, will emerge from his hollowed-out log house to coincide with the rising of the sun.

Even though he's plush and not real, if M.T. Parker sees his shadow, tradition has it that the area will be blessed with six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't, an early spring can be expected.

"Stauffer Park is a great place to host it, and there's a special ambiance about it," said Stopa. "It has a historical feel to it. We have hanging lights, and there's polka music going. It's very early in the morning, so it's usually cold."

"We built a house for M.T. Parker out of a log taken from the property," added Stopa. "That's where he stays. That's where he hibernates. That's where he'll prognosticate from when he comes out of his house."

Like most folks, Stopa does have a rooting interest in M.T. Parker's prediction.

"Winter's here for a reason," said Stopa. "I like winter conditions. There's no reason to rush into spring or summer."

The family atmosphere will be enhanced by concessions, face painting, crafts, hot chocolate, a s'mores station and photo opportunities with the star of the show. Anywhere from 70 to 100 people are expected to attend.

"It's an event that gets people out," said Stopa. "It's about recreation and getting people to interact with each other. It's bringing people into the park and getting people to do more than just sitting at home. We want to get them outside and have them appreciate the outdoors."

In addition to the regular programs and services that it offers, MTRD hosts similar special events like a community Easter egg hunt, a Halloween carnival, a holiday open house and outdoor movie nights.

"(The Groundhog Day Celebration) is probably the most unique event we host," said Stopa. "(Groundhog Day celebrations) are common in Pennsylvania. It's familiar enough that people know about it, but you don't see it everywhere."

"We do really care about the community," added Stopa. "We want to provide people with the best services we can. Hopefully, it goes above and beyond people's expectations. We take our events very seriously."