Nebraska’s Groundhog Day tradition continued Thursday morning in downtown Unadilla. “At 7:34 Unadilla Billie predicted six more weeks of winter,” says Bob Brandt, head of the Central Groundhog Committee.
“She saw a pretty firm shadow, so there wasn’t much question about her prediction.” This was Billie’s second forecast. She replaced Unadilla Bill in 2022 after 33 years.
“I hate to say it, but I think he was a much more compassionate groundhog than Unadilla Billie, but that remains to be seen.” Bill lived in Mal’s Bar and Grill and made the trip outside to predict the weather every February 2nd. Bill was retired in 2021 and now lives at the Nitty Gritty Gas & Thrift Convenience Store in Unadilla where people can still see him today.
The Otoe County community will hold it’s 35th annual Groundhog Day celebration on Saturday. It will include a parade at 2:00 and the crowning of a king and queen. Visitors will also have a chance to get their picture taken with Unadilla Billie.
(Photo from Unadilla Bill Groundhog Celebration Facebook page)