Annual Tradition
French Creek Freddie predicts early spring
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The Inter-Mountain photo by Amanda Hayes
French Creek Freddie predicts an early spring Sunday morning during the annual Groundhog Day Celebration at the West Virginia Wildlife Center.
FRENCH CREEK -- He was a little hesitant at first, but after emerging into the straw lined pen before a crowd of several hundred people, French Creek Freddie missed seeing his shadow.
That means that an early spring could be on the way locally. French Creek Freddie's prediction also matched that of his groundhog counterpart to the north, Punxsutawney Phil.
Each year since 1978, the wildlife center has hosted a Groundhog Day Celebration with a prognosticating groundhog.
Tyler Evans, wildlife biologist at the West Virginia Wildlife Center, said, "Today was a really special day for us. We had our annual Groundhog Day Celebration. It's a great opportunity to get about 400 people out to see West Virginia's most famous groundhog. He was able to make his prediction of an early spring which a lot of people are also happy about."
How does Evans feel about the prediction?
"Personally, I am very happy about an early spring," Evans said. "It is pretty chilly today so I am looking forward to some warmer weather."
The crowd of people lined the amphitheater and spilled into the parking area as musical entertainment preceded French Creek Freddie's prediction.
"In early February, it's been a long winter," he said. "Whether the weather is nice or not, it's just a time of year where you are not seeing a lot of other things going on. It's a great opportunity for people to come outdoors, see French Creek Freddie and see the West Virginia State Wildlife Center. It's just something we are really happy to offer and we hope it continues to grow."
Thinking of visiting the Wildlife Center? Through March 31, admission is free and the center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. From April 1-October 31, a small admission fee is charged but the center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Evans invited the public to tour the center or check out one of the special events happening throughout the year including West Virginia Day on June 20 and Spooky Night Tours in October.
"We really appreciate the support of the community," he said.
Ducati Snoderly of Fairmont came to the event with her parents for the first time and was thrilled to hear of Freddie's early spring prediction.
"Amazing," she said. "You get to go camping early."
Taher Alakhras of Upshur County has been to the event before and enjoys coming to the Wildlife Center. "It's good to see all the animals," he said, adding that bison were his favorite.
Like Ducati and the many people who cheered at the announcement of an early spring prediction, Taher said he was happy to know that spring might come early this year.