We've only had a small bit of snow so far this winter, but some of us are ready for spring. Others hope we'll have six more weeks of winter. Someone knows for sure, and she's ready to make her prediction. Mount Joy Minnie will declare an early spring or lasting winter on Friday, Feb. 2, at 7 a.m. at the Rotary clock, located at the intersection of Marietta Avenue and East Main Street, Mount Joy.

"Mount Joy Minnie will make her prediction with the help of her handlers Greg Sallade, State Farm Insurance, and Denny Brandt, Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty, and guest handler Barb O'Neal," said Ashley Zell, executive director of the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce, who organizes the event.

The festivities will also include a crazy hat contest again this year. "Anyone who wears a crazy hat will be asked to stand in front of the crowd, and the winner will be voted on by applause," Zell explained. "Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, with the winners receiving Mount Joy Money to spend at participating Chamber member businesses in town."

The Walter S. Ebersole American Legion Post 185 will provide hot chocolate and coffee for the event, and Voyage Mount Joy will supply doughnuts. "This event would not be possible without the support of major sponsor Keystone Lawn Company," Zell added.

Mount Joy Minnie (spoiler alert: She's a puppet) has been making weather predictions in Mount Joy for years. "This is just a really fun tradition started by a Chamber member many years ago that the Chamber wanted to continue for the community," Zell said.

The festivities always draw a crowd, eager to hear Minnie's weather report. "It's a fun and silly community event for both kids and adults alike," Zell commented. "If you have never attended it before, you really should come check it out! And don't forget to wear a crazy hat."

In the case of inclement weather, Minnie will make her prediction underneath the portico at Northwest Bank, 101 E. Main St., Mount Joy.