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6 more weeks of winter or an early spring: Did The Beast see its shadow?

February 2, 2019
Don Helbig

Area Manager, Digital Marketing - Kings Island

Twitter: @DonHelbig

The Beast, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, did not see its shadow this morning, indicating an early spring.

Beast Day is celebrated every year on February 2 and has become at Kings Island-based tradition. 

If The Beast sees its shadow, that means (according to Rivertown folklore) we will have to endure six more weeks of winter, no matter what the weather forecasters predict. If The Beast does not see its shadow, that signifies an early spring.

The Beast not seeing its shadow is good news for the Greater Cincinnati area. This week, an intense polar vortex covered much of the region that brought subzero temperatures and closed schools and businesses.

Since 2008, the 7,349-foot long Beast has seen its shadow four times and not seen it eight times, including each of the past four years.

Year-by-Year Beast Day predictions:

  • 2019 – Early Spring
  • 2018 – Early Spring
  • 2017 – Early Spring
  • 2016 – Early Spring
  • 2015 – Longer Winter
  • 2014 – Longer Winter
  • 2013 – Early Spring
  • 2012 – Longer Winter
  • 2011 – Early Spring
  • 2010 – Early Spring
  • 2009 – Longer Winter
  • 2008 – Early Spring

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Don Helbig

Area Manager, Digital Marketing - Kings Island

Twitter: @DonHelbig

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