Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Cajun Groundhog Day

When: Feb. 2nd, 2011

Where: Bouligny Plaza

New Iberia, La 70560

 

Annual event where New Iberia's own version of the traditional groundhog, PierreC. Shaddeaux, a native nutria, emerges to predict weather the weather for the next six weeks…etiher a long or short spring depending on if Pierre sees his shaddeaux or not.

It is the South Louisiana equivalent to the Groundhog Day celebration
that originated in Punxsutawney, Pa., where groundhog Punxsutawney Phil peaks out of his hole to determine if there will be an early spring or six more weeks of winter weather.

Shadeaux, the Cajun groundhog, or nutria, is more in tune with Louisiana's subtropical climate than Punxsutawney Phil, and can more accurately predict the weather for this region.

When Shadeaux comes out of his new, Acadian-style home built by Earl
Patton, and sees his shadow, then Teche Area residents need to brace for a quick end to the spring and the advent of a hot, humid summer. However, if he doesn't see the shadow, it's good news, meaning a longer spring season.

 

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