By Stan Ashbee
Groundhog Day is just around the corner on Feb. 2, as Alberta’s go-to prairie prognosticator Balzac Billy is called upon to predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter.
Historically, Alberta farmers would rely on Billy’s weather wisdom to know when to plant their crops. But the humble weather whiz doesn’t control the weather, he just calls it as he sees it.
After a long hibernation, Billy forecasts the weather from his burrow located at Bluegrass Garden Centre, just south of CrossIron Mills between Calgary and Airdrie.
Elsewhere, another famous weather-predicting groundhog resides in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania in Gobbler’s Knob.
Phil was made famous thanks to Bill Murray’s hit film, Groundhog Day.
And in Ontario, there’s Wiarton Willie.
In Alberta, Steve Neubauer has been at Bluegrass for over 20 years and has been the organizer of Groundhog Day festivities and Balzac Billy since 2006.
The countdown is on for the 23rd Annual Balzac Billy Groundhog Day Breakfast.
“This year, we’re bringing the pancake breakfast back,” Neubauer notes. “We have a DJ who plays music, especially the Balzac Boogie. It’s Balzac Billy’s favourite song.”
Other featured guests at the annual event include rodeo royalty from Airdrie and Miss Rodeo Canada.
“Just after 8 a.m. we’ll all gather at the burrow at the front of Bluegrass, and we’ll try and coax him out of the burrow. Then around 8:11 a.m., he usually surfaces and makes his prediction,” Neubauer explains.
“It’s been a long time. Balzac Billy’s first official recording was in 1978, so we’re pushing 50 years there’s been a following for Balzac Billy. As far as the fella in the mascot suit, that started in 2004, so that’s why we’re at the 23rd annual,” adds Neubauer.
According to Neubauer, organizers pride themselves on Billy’s accuracy. “He is the only one that comes up, takes a look around and actually does make the call. The other rodents – it’s a handler that usually makes the prediction,” Neubauer jokes.
As for the annual event, Neubauer hopes it gets back to pre-COVID attendance numbers of between 300 to 500 people. “We’re expecting around 150 to 200 this year. Weather can play a lot in it, and it falls on a Monday, so that’s usually a better turnout on weekdays.”
Discover Balzac Billy’s forecast from 7-9 a.m. if you’re interested in taking a road trip to be a part of the festivities.
Neubauer says a colouring contest and merchandise, including plushies, are also available to purchase online at balzac-billy.com to commemorate the anticipated return of the beloved mascot.
