Holtsville Hal Predicts an Early Spring

From The City of Brookhaven: Suffolk County’s most famous weatherman did not disappoint. Saturday morning, at 7:25 a.m., before a crowd of several hundred spectators, Holtsville Hal awoke from his slumber and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for the Town of Brookhaven.

According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from his burrow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early.

“I’m sure we are all looking forward to an early spring and keeping our fingers crossed that our resident weatherman maintains his accuracy,” said Superintendent of Highways Daniel Losquadro. “Regardless, the Brookhaven Highway Department remains ready to handle whatever Mother Nature decides to send our way.”

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to come out and take part in this fun, annual tradition, including Councilman Kevin LaValle, who was the honorary Mayor for the Day, and Councilman Neil Foley, as well as the Holtsville Fire Department, Bagel Lovers, WBLI and Max 103.1 FM,” Losquadro continued.

Holtsville Hal is just one of the more than 100 animals who call Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve home. The center, which is open all year-round, includes a wildlife preserve, greenhouses, gardens, and jogging and exercise trails. For more information, visit www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-758-9664.

Caption: Holtsville Hal greets the crowd of several hundred spectators at the 2019 Groundhog Day celebration at the Holtsville Ecology Center.

Image via The City of Brookhaven