Balzac Billy is calling for an early spring in 2023, after the groundhog did not see his shadow at Blue Grass Nursery, Sod and Garden Centre on Thursday morning.
The hamlet's celebrity groundhog woke from a lengthy slumber on Feb. 2, rising from his burrow to make his annual prognostication shortly after 8 a.m.
After doing some stretches and peering around for a few seconds, Billy hoisted a bunch of flowers and gave the crowd of a few dozen attendees the thumbs up, signalling that they're in for an early spring this year.
Thursday's event marked Billy's 20th anniversary of making his annual Groundhog Day forecast, as well as his 13th time making the prediction at Blue Grass Nursery, Sod and Garden Centre. Before 2011, the event was held at the Balzac Community Hall.
The annual Groundhog Day festivities also included a free pancake breakfast, and live music from local country band Jeske.
