Kenmore Police Chief Carl LaCorte, left, Clerk-Treasurer Kathleen Johnson, Building Inspector Michael D. Berns, Trustee Timothy McCarthy and Trustee Katherine Bestine watch as Mayor Patrick Mang introduces Kenmore Kate who emerged from a tree-like structure Thursday during a Groundhog Day Celebration held on the Village Green. Photos by John Rusac. Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com A furry critter brought great news to Kenmore Village residents during a ceremony held Feb. 2 on the Village Green.

(See editorial on page four)

At roughly 7:15 a.m. that day, a 5-foot “groundhog” emerged from a 6-foot-tall tree stump and looked around for a moment.

As the creature peered out toward onlookers, youths who were sprawled out across the Green chanted for a longer winter with snow days so that they didn’t have to go to school.

Kenmore Kate, the groundhog, whose name was selected as part of The Bee’s “Name the Groundhog” contest, then gave her prediction. She didn’t see her shadow.

“It’s going to be an early spring,” announced Kenmore Village Mayor Patrick Mang to a crowd of residents who attended the inaugural event co-organized by the Kenmore Village Improvement Society and The Bee.

Mang later told The Bee that it made sense to have a village event this time of year, noting that it was an excellent way to transition into the next season.

“We host so many family-friendly events here throughout the year. This is just one more that can be added to the list. Let’s just hope the weather is mild next year, too,” he said.

Melissa Foster, a member of the Kenmore Village Improvement Society, agreed and added that the event will get bigger and better each year.

“Our members were excited to be a part of this event,” said Foster, noting that Kenmore Kate’s habitat was created by Kenmore Village Improvement Society member John Hulley. “It was a lot of fun, and we had a great turnout.”

She also added that individuals seemed to like the groundhog that was presented.

“I think the fact that we had a different kind of groundhog set a good example and made our celebration a bit different from others,” she said.

The event, in addition to the appearance of Kenmore Kate, included creatively decorated doughnuts from Paula’s Donuts — displaying groundhog faces — a Groundhog Day cake, coffee and hot chocolate.

email: ddonohue@beenews.com