Light snow flurries and a 34 degree temperature did not deter groundhog aficionados from gathering at Wehr’s Dam, South Whitehall, around 7 a.m. Feb. 2 to watch Yahdee and his grandson, Lee, float down the Jordan Creek.

As both members and supporters of Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 awaited the groundhog’s weather prediction, they were treated to cookies and hot beverages.

Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 Am Jahden Haaptmann (president) David H. Adam of Orefield opened this year’s ceremony by welcoming everyone in Pennsylvania Dutch.

After singing “America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee),” the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie,” and “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain,” and saying the Pledge of Allegiance in both Pa. German and English, it was time for Yahdee and Lee to make their appearance.

Slowly floating down the creek, they pair arrived shortly after 7 a.m.

After reaching the creek bank, Lee told Adam they came out of their burrow and didn’t see their shadows.

Grundsau Lee told Adam that last fall they planted daffodils outside their home.

The daffodils were about 2- to 3-inches tall when they came out of their burrow on Feb. 2.

Adam said Lee and Yahdee tasted the daffodils and they were really delicious, so they knew it was going to be an early spring.

Tradition has it that Yahdee, who only speaks Pa. German, relays his prediction to Lee, who then tells Adam.

Yahdee and Lee will be guests of honor at the banquet of Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 at 6:30 p.m. March 3 in the Family Center of Jordan Lutheran Church, 5103 Snowdrift Road, Orefield.

Tickets for the banquet must be purchased in advance.

For more information or tickets, call Adam at 610-395-4282.