Buffalo Bert made the same prediction one year ago.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — First came the snow crossing Buffalo and Western New York. Now, we’re enduring a near-record run of bitter cold.
With that in mind, Buffalo Bert was the center of attention on Saturday afternoon at the 13th annual Buffalo Groundhog Day celebration. Organizers claim he has a “100% accuracy rate,” leaving revelers at The Banshee Irish Pub on Franklin Street hopeful he would declare an early spring.
Instead, Buffalo Bert declared six more weeks of winter. He made the same prediction one year ago.
Saturday’s event was about more than just the weather, though.
Now in its second year at The Banshee Irish Pub, the celebration transformed the venue into a multi-level winter festival featuring two floors of live music and entertainment, animal exhibits, and interactive experiences. Admission includes access to all entertainment and a drink token.
All proceeds benefit animal charities across Western New York, including Hawk Creek Wildlife Center and the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, supporting wildlife conservation and animal welfare efforts throughout the region.
“This celebration has always been about more than predicting the weather,” organizers said. “To date, this organization has donated more than $70,000 to local animal charities, and every year we’re proud to grow that impact. Supporting the animals and organizations that make Western New York special is at the heart of Buffalo Groundhog Day.”
The country’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will make his prediction on Monday, as will Dunkirk Dave.