ATHENS, W.Va. (WVDN) — With 2026 now in full swing, we all wonder how long winter will linger. On Feb. 2, Concord Charlie — Concord University’s longtime weather prognosticator — will issue his prediction.
The projection will arrive during the Groundhog Day Breakfast, at 8 a.m., in the Pais Fellowship Hall at University Point. In addition to the forecast, this year’s tradition will host an appearance by 2026 Grand Groundhog Watcher Delnora Reed Acuff. A Princeton native and Concord University alum, Delnora is an award-winning singer and songwriter known for her heartfelt songs and authentic, story-driven lyrics. She draws on themes like her family, faith, and rural Appalachian roots to create music that is real and timeless.
A 1996 communication arts graduate of Concord College, Delnora is based just outside of Nashville, where she’s racked up titles like “New Artist of the Year,” “Inspirational Artist of the Year,” “Music Video of the Year,” and more, at the Inspirational Country Music Awards. She recently completed the Home for the Holidays tour alongside friend and West Virginia native Landau Eugene Murphy.
The Concord Charlie tradition originated in 1978 by the late Professor R. T. “Tom” Hill. As chairman of both the geography department and the Appalachian Studies program at Concord, Hill started the Groundhog Day Breakfast to celebrate Appalachian heritage.
Cost per person for breakfast is $20. Reservations are required by Jan. 28 and may be made online at concord.edu/groundhog or by calling the Office of Advancement at (304) 384-6311.
