Will Beau See His Shadow on Groundhog Day?

Georgia's own Gen. Beauregard Lee is set to make his annual weather prediction at the Yellow River Game Ranch on Saturday, Feb. 2.

It's been a wacky weather week in Georgia -- 70-degree temperatures, tornadoes, and lots of rain, and in the past two weeks frigid temperatures and icy roads have been a problem. So, getting the furry forecaster's prognostication comes just in time.

"I think people enjoy having some news that's actually fun," said Codi Reeves, owner of the Yellow River Game Ranch. "It's a welcome break from crime, politics, and bad weather."

If Beau sees his shadow Saturday, or so the folklore goes, it means six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't, it means an early spring. He's been right more than 90 percent of the time.

The annual Groundhog Day celebration at the Yellow River Game Ranch on Stone Mountain Highway in Lilburn is in its 33rd year. Perhaps hundreds of Beau supporters are expected to show up for the sunrise soiree. Gifts honoring Beau are appropriate.

"People travel so far to see Beau because he is the most famous Southern Groundhog," Reeves said in an email. "They like to have 'their' rep when it comes to prognosticators, not one way up North."

Free admission will be granted to visitors from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., and anyone who has a birthday Feb. 2 will also be granted free admission all day. (Appropriate photo identification or visa is necessary.)

According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, sunrise for Lilburn, Ga., on Feb. 2 is at 7:32 a.m. That means Beau could emerge from his home around that time and look for his shadow. So, if you don't want to miss the South's very own groundhog, be early.

Beau will first announce his prediction on his Twitter page (@GameRanch). And new this year, Instagram users can follow Beau’s photo stream at @GameRanch, where there will be photos posted by Beau and the game ranch staffers.

~ Lilburn Patch