RVP File Photo

Prairie predictor - Balzac Billy will once again make his appearance on Feb. 2 at Blue Grass Nursery & Garden Centre. The Balzac Business Community Association will host an event, including breakfast and live music, in honour of the furry forecaster.

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Residents invited to Groundhog Day celebration

It’s that time of year again.

The Balzac Business Community Association (BBCA) is putting on the 10th annual Groundhog Day breakfast at Blue Grass Nursery & Garden Centre, Feb. 2 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The free event will feature a catered pancake breakfast, which will include unlimited juice and Tim Hortons coffee, starting at 7 a.m. The Jeske band will perform live during the event.

At around 8 a.m., Balzac Billy will be roused from hibernation to predict if spring is just around the corner or six weeks away.

“It is going to be a great time with a lot of community comradeship,” said Courtney Smith, Blue Grass staff. “Balzac Billy’s burrow is all ready.”

According to Smith, last year’s event attracted about 500 people and organizers are expecting a similar number this year.

Attendees included hundreds of area residents from Balzac, Kathyrn, Airdrie, Calgary and beyond, according to a press release.

Last year, Billy emerged from his burrow at 8:11 a.m. and saw his shadow, indicating six or more weeks of winter.

Participants will also have the chance to meet members of the Rocky View Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services, local RCMP, rodeo royalty and representatives from a number of businesses in the area, according to Steve Neubauer of the BBCA.

“Everyone and anyone is welcome to our growing Groundhog Day event,” said Neubauer. “It isn’t geared towards any particular demographic: Balzac Billy is loved by all, young or getting up there alike.”

Admission to the event is free, but the Balzac Beef 4-H Club and Rocky View Handibus will be accepting donations at the two-hour celebration.

For more information about the BBCA, visit www.balzacbilly.com