GROUNDHOG DAY French Creek Freddie And Punxsutawney Phil Predict Early Spring
Reported by: Bob Aaron
Web Producer: Mamie Buoy
Reported: Feb. 2, 2013 10:53 AM EST
Updated: Feb. 2, 2013 5:41 PM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
French Creek
, West Virginia
If you are sick of these bitter cold temperatures all of the snow, brighter days might be on the way. West Virginia's groundhog, French Creek Freddie, has predicted an early spring.
French Creek Freddie did not see his shadow Saturday morning, which according to folklore, means that we will have an early spring.
Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil also predicted an early spring at Gobbler's Knob on Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day stems from a European tradition called Candlemas Day where Christian clergy would bless candles and then give them to people. The Germans believed that if the sun came out on Candlemas Day, the hedgehog would cast a shadow, predicting six more weeks of bad weather.
French Creek Freddie has undertaken his annual ritual at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center since 1978.
Only time will tell if French Creek Freddie's prediction is accurate; but this week, temperatures are only expected to reach the mid 40's.
Protesters arrested at coal firm Alpha's HQ in Va May 24, 2013 11:28 AM EDT Several environmental protesters are facing charges after blocking the road leading to the headquarters for coal producer Alpha Natural Resources in Bristol.
Brewers team up on beer to help military families May 24, 2013 10:59 AM EDT Craft breweries from around the country are teaming up to raise money for military families by selling a beer aged on baseball bats.
Tips dwindle in Mich. girl's kidnapping, slaying May 24, 2013 11:35 AM EDT Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Bob Aaron
