Victoria Gazette - Calendar of Events

Groundhog Day. Thursday, February 2nd. On this day in mid-winter, the groundhog awakens from a long winter's nap and goes outside of his den to see if he sees his shadow. If the groundhog sees his shadow (a sunny morning), there will be six more weeks of winter. He then returns to his den and goes back to sleep. If, however, he does not see his shadow (cloudy days), he plays around outside of his hole for a while. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner. It's a German tradition.

Ice Fishing Contest. Sunday, February 5th. On Stieger Lake in downtown Victoria from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Food, family fun, raffle prizes, panfish and predator prizes.

Full Moon. Friday, February 10th. At full moon, the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun's rays and it can be bright enough to light up otherwise dark nights. It occurs when the sun and the moon are aligned on opposite sides of the eaerth.

City Council Meetings. Mondays, February 13th and 27th, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall on Stieger Lake Lane.

Valentine's Day. Tuesday, February 14th. There are many stories about Valentine's Day. Some say the custom of sending valentines stems from the medieval belief that birds choose their mates on this day, and so Valentine is the patron saint of lovers. Saint Valentine was a Roman, priest, physician, and martyr who was executed on February 14th, 269, during the reign of Emporor Claudius II Gothicus.

President's Day. Monday, February 20th. An American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1886 in recognition of President George Washington.

Gazette Deadline. Thursday, February 28th. Email Sue@VictoriaGazette.com or use P.O. Box 387, Victoria MN 55386.

Ash Wednesday. Wednesday, March 1st. The first day of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter, Sundays not included. Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and spiritual discipline.