FRENCH CREEK — Spring will come early this year, according to West Virginia’s most famous weather prognosticator, French Creek Freddie.

At Friday’s 47th annual Groundhog Day celebration at the West Virginia Wildlife Center, Freddie emerged from his den under cloudy skies and did not see his shadow. According to legend, if the marmot sees his shadow, that signifies six more weeks of winter, and if not, spring is on the way. Last year, Freddie predicted an early spring.

The annual Groundhog Day celebration is a beloved annual event that draws travelers from several states to Upshur County to witness famed weather prognosticator French Creek Freddie emerge from his den and forecast an early spring or six more weeks of winter.