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Quebec's beloved Fred la Marmotte dies on Groundhog Day

A child attending the event was called in as an emergency replacement and predicted winter will continue.

Jour de Fred festivities went ahead despite the death of the titular Fred
Jour de Fred festivities went ahead despite the death of the titular Fred Photo by via Vimeo

Fred la Marmotte, Quebec’s beloved groundhog who predicts whether spring will come early, died early Thursday, just hours before he was supposed to perform his annual ritual.

“This year, it’s true. It’s sadly true,” said la Jour de Fred committee organizer Roberto Blondin on the event’s livestream.

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“I’m announcing the death of Fred.”

Every Feb. 2, Fred would wake up and peek out of his home in the Gaspé to let Quebecers know whether spring will be early.

A child attending the event was called in as an emergency replacement and predicted that winter will continue.

Organizers announced Thursday morning that the groundhog had not woken up when they went to see it last night.

The nine-year-old rodent had no vital signs, said Roberto Blondin

There will be a new groundhog next year to continue the tradition, assured Mr. Blondin.

Official spring is 48 days away.

This story will be updated.