Did The Beast Predict an Early Spring?

 If you're really interested in whether the tri-state area will see a longer winter or early spring, you can't rely on the predictions of Punxsutawney Phil, the furry rodent from Pennsylvania, or even the lesser known Staten Island Chuck. 

Instead, all eyes in Cincinnati and southwest Ohio turn to The Beast, the world's longest wooden roller coaster.

And southwest Ohio has reason to be happy this morning. It won’t be long until residents can trade their winter boots for flip-flops. This morning The Beast emerged from its winter slumber at 7:42 a.m. and did not see its shadow which, according to legend, means that an early spring is on the way.

View the sunrise from The Beast this morning

For those unfamiliar with the tradition, if The Beast sees its shadow on February 2 it means six more weeks of winter. If The Beast does not see its shadow, an early spring is predicted.  The sighting was first recorded in 2008 by former Kings Island digital marketing manager, Don Helbig. The world’s longest wooden roller coaster has prognosticated a longer winter just six times.

Year-by-Year Predictions

• 2024 – Early Spring

• 2023 – Longer Winter

• 2022 – Early Spring

• 2021 – Longer Winter

• 2020 – Early Spring

• 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

It won't be long until April 20, when Kings Island opens its gates to all guests for the first time in 2024. Enjoy every season at Kings Island for one low price with the purchase of a Season Pass. Learn more.