New legislation could revive NJ town’s Groundhog Day traditions

MILLTOWN, N.J. (PIX11) – In Milltown, a Middlesex County borough of 7,000 people, nothing has been the same since losing a beloved groundhog that was the star of the Town’s signature annual celebration that drew thousands.

“It’s taken a life of its own,” said Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (D-NJ 18 ^th District). “Milltown Mel was followed worldwide.”

When Milltown Mel passed away in 2021, the search began for another groundhog to carry the torch.

But what got in the way was a State law prohibiting the entry of certain animals with the potential to carry rabies.

If passed, Stanley’s bill would allow groundhogs to be imported from out of state under certain circumstances.

“This will bring back a lot of people, tourism,” said Stanley. “It’ll add another feather in their cap.”

Helping to make this legislation a reality is the Milltown Wranglers. Led by Russell Einbinder, John McNamara and others, they are a group that organizes the small town’s Groundhog Day celebration. The new groundhog they hope to secure is set to be born any day on a farm in Tennessee.

“There is a mama groundhog ready to pop any day,” said Einbinder. “That groundhog has to stay with mama for about a month, six weeks, and then gets released after being weened to be with us.”

Next Groundhog Day will mark 5 years since Milltown last celebrated. The celebration in 2021 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has not returned since the death of the previous groundhog.

“Oh my God, everybody’s gonna be so excited, the kids are gonna go nuts,” said Melissa Ellmyer, one of the newest Milltown Wranglers. “This year they’re going to be very excited, gonna be very happy to spread the news that it’s coming back.”

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