This Groundhog Day people everywhere were waiting to see if winter will drag on for a few weeks longer or if we'll ditch the cold and have an early spring.

It looks like we're going to have an earlier spring because French Creek Freddy didn't see his shadow.  Many people 5 News spoke with Saturday morning said they were happy about it.

"Happy Groundhog Day everybody," Genevieve Gregory, Girl Scout from Upshur County.

People of all ages came out to the West Virginia Wildlife Center to celebrate with Freddie and enjoy the good news.

"I'm excited about it. I love spring. I'm ready for it to get here," said Amber Heaton, Lewis County Resident.

"I'm extremely happy that the clouds rolled in when they did. Up until about 20 seconds before he came out of his hole we had bright sun shine. And a cloud just happened to roll in to cover the sun up right at the right time," said Gene Thorn, Wildlife Biologist In Charge.

Some volunteers told 5 News they weren't really concerned with the outcome, but they were just happy to be apart of the experience.

"We just like to help out whenever we can because it's a wonderful place, it's an educational place. This is a wonderful piece of Upshur County's community. It's just a great place to come," said Charlotte Eskew, Volunteer.

Now people just didn't come out to see French Creek Freddie come out of his den, but also to participate in a wood chucking contest.

"We just enjoy having people come out and we hope people visit. We're open 365 days a year and just come out and have fun," said Gene Thorn.

There were even a few local girl scouts who came out to earn their community service badge.

"We're going to have a bonfire at the end. And then we are going to go through and look at all the animals and stuff," Genevieve Gregory.