Photos: Unadilla Billie predicts an early spring on Groundhog Day
Unadilla Billie, the town's newest taxidermized groundhog, prognosticates an early spring for Nebraska as she didn't see her shadow on Feb. 2.
Bob Brandt sets down Unadilla Billie, the town's newest taxidermic groundhog, in the middle of the street to see if she casts a shadow outside the town community center during a small gathering in Downtown Unadilla on Friday. Billie did not cast a shadow, which means an early spring. Nationally, live groundhog Punxsutawney Phil also predicted an early spring. People in Lincoln and southeast Nebraska have already been experiencing a very early spring, with temperatures on Friday reaching into the 60s for the third day in a row. The forecast calls for temperatures that are somewhat cooler but still well above average. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high in the low 50s on Saturday, around 50 on Sunday and then 50s and maybe even more 60s next week. There also is a 50% chance of rain on both Saturday and Sunday.
Bob Brandt carries Unadilla Billie, the town's newest taxidermied groundhog, to the middle of the street to see if she casts a shadow outside the town community center during small gathering in Downtown Unadilla, on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. Unadilla host the annual February celebration. Unlike Punxsutawney Phil though, this groundhog is stuffed. The town's former taxidermied groundhog, Unadilla Bill, was retired in 2021. At 7:30 AM, Billie was taken out to the middle of the street so that she might better see her shadow. However the town's newest taxidermied groundhog, prognosticated that Nebraska will see Spring soon, due to the absence said shadow.
Bob Brandt carries Unadilla Billie, the town's newest taxidermied groundhog, to the middle of the street to see if she casts a shadow outside Unadilla's community center during small gathering on Friday.
Bob Brandt holds Unadilla Billie, the town's newest taxidermied groundhog, while he takes a selfie with his family Carrie (left) Barry (first right) and Brody Brandt (back) during small gathering in downtown Unadilla on Friday.
Unadilla Billie, the town's newest taxidermied groundhog, sits on a small table outside Unadilla's community center on Friday. She predicted an early spring for Nebraska after not seeing her own shadow.
A small gathering of Unadilla residents wait to see if Unadilla Billie see her shadow on Friday.
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