In early February, thousands bundled up amid frigid temps in Pennsylvania, to witness a first-hand account of Punxsutawney Phil’s (a.k.a. the Groundhog) seasonal forecast for 2026. And what do you know? Right there in the town of Gobbler’s Knob (Phil’s home), he saw a shadow of his resemblance cast.
No longer able to hold its breath, the up-close and crammed audience burst into a celebration from hearing the declaration of “six more weeks of winter!”
That’s not happening in the south, though. While we tend to acknowledge Groundhog Day, we also have our own personal four-legged furry weatherman, and he knows better — early spring predictions, or else.
More specifically, in Memphis, we take our weather (and mascots) very seriously, and when prognosticators remotely calculate anything close to numbers in the blue…it better be describing fans at a Grizz game.
But was Phil’s projection accurate? Us southerners would just say to that: “um, moving right along.”
Furthermore, I’m chronicling my predictions amidst a glacial winter; therefore, by the time you read this:
- Mid-Southerners will be thawed out (fingers crossed).
- Spring will be living its best life (with a glow).
- Parents will be registering for summer camps (see you at Camp Expo).
- Students will be nearing another extended brain intermission (enjoy Spring Break).
- Resolutioners will be questioning whether they can keep going (hang in there).
- Daffodils and tulips should be greeting you (hey y’all).
- Seniors will be gearing up for their “last dance” before tossing their mortarboards towards the sky (congrats).
- Memphis Parent will be turning 35 (wow)!
And me? Well, I’m just happy to hang with you good people. Oh, and celebrating my own daughter’s finish line — next up, Vols country.
Much to be explored in this 2026 Camp Guide issue: struggles of relocating your family; impact of youth jazz education; historical journey and resilience of Bertha Rogers Looney (Memphis State Eight); responsible screen time for children; summer camp opportunities, and more.
But before I go, I want to celebrate the winners of our 2025 Family Choice Awards, voted by you. What an accomplishment for a brand to be thought of as a favorite to the community. And I would be remiss to not acknowledge the inaccurate listing of winners in the category of “Education - Best Independent/Private School” in our past winter issue. While a retraction has been made, I wanted to also certify the announcement of winners as follows: Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School (1st), St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School (2nd), and Woodland Presbyterian School (3rd). Congrats to all who were nominated — keep doing great things!
Now that the city has been thoroughly cleansed from the winter, I’m thrilled about the springtime and its new blooms. I’m no forecaster, but I predict a beautiful and prosperous season. Until then.
Keep parenting!
Erika Cain
Editor