By Michelle Forbes 

Every year, people around North America place their fate in the hands of the groundhog, banking on whether or not spring is coming.

And now, Groundhog’s Day is here, and here is the news everyone has been waiting for – will have six more weeks of winter, or an early spring?

For the last four years, Kootenay Kurt, found at the Kimberley City Bakery, has been popping out of his hole to predict the weather here in the Kootenays.

Owner Eric Forbes enjoys celebrating holidays at the bakery, and says that others have come to expect them to continue the tradition of bringing out Kootenay Kurt. “Last year, we were debating whether or not to do it, when we received phone calls and e-mails from around the Kootenays, asking if Kootenay Kurt had seen his shadow,” Forbes said.

This year Forbes took his inspiration for his Groundhog’s Day reveal, from Star Wars, with allusions to the movies throughout, which is delighting Star Wars Fans. But most importantly, people want to know, when will winter be over?

In spite of the drizzly weather in Kimberley last night, the sun came out today to let Kootenay Kurt see his shadow, and he’s heading back to his hole for another six weeks of winter, so bundle up and hunker down. We’ve got a few more weeks before spring is here!

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