NEBRASKA CITY – Nebraska’s most accurate and furry spring prognosticator is getting the year off.

The Unadilla Bill Groundhog Celebration that is normally scheduled the first Saturday of February has been canceled.

A Facebook post says there will be no king and queen coronation in 2021, so the same people will be renominated for 2022.

King nominations are Turner Moore, Randy Brehm and Tyler Berner. Queen candidates are Carrie Hopp Bischoff, Michelle Zoller and Emily Rumery.

Honorary royalty are planned for 2021.

According to folklore, the groundhog or woodchuck emerges from its burrow after hibernation on Feb. 2. If the day is sunny, the animal sees its shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter. If it is cloudy and there is no shadow, it is thought that spring is near.

Lt. Gov. Bill Nichol signed a proclamation in 1988 naming Unadilla as the Groundhog Capital of Nebraska and gave the groundhog its nickname.

Punxsutawney Phil, the more dodgy groundhog, has seen his shadow 104 times since 1887.

Even if Unadilla Bill is not available Saturday, it is said that American robins may be an alternative way for a prediction of spring. The sight of a robin may not indicate spring has arrived, but when the bird begins to sing it means it intends to stay in that region.

The red-winged blackbird is true migratory bird and is considered a sure sign of spring.