SARDIS CITY — While the rest of America waited for Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil to reveal his weather prediction on Groundhog Day Friday, folks in North Alabama gathered to see what Sand Mountain Sam had to say.
Since 1993, Sand Mountain Sam has employed his meteorological expertise in forecasting a long winter or early spring, depending on whether or not he saw his shadow, much like his Pennslyvania counterpart.
On Friday, in front of a record crowd at Bama Bucks Wildgame Restaurant in Sardis City, Sardis Mayor Russell Amos read a proclamation, saying Sam did not see his shadow and therefore predicted an early end to winter.
"He has seen no shadow because the sky is gray, which means spring is soon on its way," the proclamation read.
Hundreds of people, including local students, public officials and State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre), attended the event put on by 105.1 WQSB, where local groups sang, danced and entertained leading up to the big reveal.
Even U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) commemorated Sand Mountain Sam Day by giving the marsupial a shout-out on X.
"Happy Sand Mountain Sam Day! Today, he predicted an early spring," Strong posted. "With a 25-1 history of success since he began predictions, I think we are in good hands with Sand Mountain Sam!"
Punxsutawney Phil also forecasted an early spring after not seeing his shadow.
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