LILBURN, Ga., Jan. 28, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- General Beau Lee, Ph.D., Georgia's Official Weather Prognosticator, will perform his annual shadow seeking duty, even though the holiday is on Sunday, February 2nd, 2003 at sunrise. Adding to the suspense is Beau's adolescent age of thirteen and probable moodiness at being awakened on a wintry weekend. He might prefer southern gospel music on his headset in his bedroom.
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Live Groundhog Hotlines, will open at 6:00 a.m. EST, 770/972-6643.
Advisories will be issued by anonymous Hotline Ladies stationed across from Beau's Weathering Heights Plantation.
Waffle House management will provide 'Scattered, Smothered and Covered Hash Browns' in Beau's Bowl.
To further encourage Beau's internal alarm, Gwinnett County Commissioner John Dunn, as Reveille Rouser, will ring the Game Ranch's antique bell at sunrise. Beau Boosters in bleachers will be provided with pom-poms and cheer sheets for those who have difficulty remembering, 'Go Beau', 'Go Beau', 'Go Beau'.
Architecturally designed swinging doors have been added to Beau's Weathering Heights Mansion. This will contribute to the visual of Beau's emergence -- nose first -- and accommodate his waddling form should he decide to emerge. Creative landscaping by Pike Nursery will further adorn Beau's lavish Weathering Heights Plantation.
The Honorable Sonny Perdue, newly elected Governor of Georgia has issued a Proclamation, which . . . "recognizes Beau as 'Georgia's Official Weather Prognosticator', and further pays special tribute to him for his precise, annual prediction which enables Southerners to effectively prepare for the coming season."
Beau's Official Prediction will be posted live as soon as it is proclaimed by Game Ranch CEO Col. Art Rilling -- who loves getting up at dawn on Sunday. Rilling comments, "Beau needs to realize that with the threat of global warning, Groundhog Day next year could occur in December!"
If Beau spies his pudgy image, at least six more weeks of winter will occur. Should Beau not find his shadow, citizens may anticipate spring and allergies in six weeks. Last year's announcement was again correct when Beau predicted an early spring. By February 23rd, green buds had appeared on willow trees. On March 16th, the last day of the six week prediction period, sunbathers enjoyed a balmy 78 degrees. Beau has an extraordinary 99% rate of accuracy.
All visitors will be admitted free 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Those observing a birthday, or named 'Beau' will be admitted free all day.
The Yellow River Game Ranch, Georgia's oldest animal preserve, is now celebrating its 41st year of introducing people-friendly wildlife to children and adults. The Game ranch is open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. - to 5:00 p.m. The history of Groundhog Day and Beau's Official Bio is posted on the Game Ranch web site.
For more information, visit http://www.yellowrivergameranch.com/press