by Kelly Babcock

Wiarton Willie once again has made a prediction, declaring that he did not see his shadow and postulating that there will be an early Spring. The friendly fellow who has been known to socialize with many politicians over the six plus decades of his work was playing it safe this year, sending in a fur hat as a stand in so as to avoid the need to caution people about social distancing.

At 8AM, the marmot's shadow would not have been visible due to fairly cloudy conditions and he, of course, would not have been scared back into his burrow. It is interesting that in less than 20 minutes following prediction time the sun did come out, but we at the Hub are choosing to believe that to be a clear indication that the cloudiness was intentional on Mother Nature's part and we are also backing the groundhog's prediction.

For the official declaration, please see the video below.