Groundhog 2014 Party in the Rathskeller Draws Surprising Sponsorships
There are two groups of people in the world who can tell you the Latin name for groundhog:
UD students and Woodchuck cider drinkers, who regularly see "Marmota monax" inscribed
on the cider's label. While the Vermont-based hard cider company celebrates "Woodchuck
Day" in February, they have agreed to let bygones be bygones this Feb. 1 and sponsor
UD's Groundhog Party in the Rat.
In addition to providing the celebration in the Rathskeller with cases of cider and
keepsakes, Woodchuck is sponsoring the music (Richard Fougerousse, BA '72, and his
band, House Special) and hosting a cider tasting at 3 p.m. that day.
Additionally, Liberty Mutual, who donated the gift bags for Alumni & Family Weekend,
has sponsored security for the Party in the Rat.
Washington, DC, tour attendees are also in luck: Woodchuck has donated cider to the
Jan. 31 celebration at ATMTC Wintergreen Plaza.
According to District Sales Manager Justin Bucci, it was an MBA alumna who "first
recognized the connection between the Groundhog and Woodchuck. Same animal! I made
a few calls, some meetings and the rest is history," said Bucci.
Online registration for the Groundhog Tour and the Irving Party in the Rat and Party
in the Park closes on Jan. 24, so sign up now.
