How Sand Mountain Sam became a community staple

ALBERTVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - An annual gathering of the masses in North Alabama comes together to see one thing: Sand Mountain Sam.

The opossum predicts the weather each year, in a tradition dating back over 30 years now.

“The legend of Sam has really spread,” WQSB radio host Barry Galloway said. “It’s amazing.”

Galloway saw Sam’s first-ever prediction in 1993, when his radio station wanted a fun way to interact with the fans.

“The groundhog, we got tired of hearing his predictions,” he said. “He was always wrong, so we decided to find something in the South. We let the listeners choose three animals.”

Every year since, communities surrounding Albertville, Boaz, Sardis City, and more celebrate Possum Day, instead of Groundhog Day.

“Sam has a better track record than Punxsutawney Phil over the last 20 years,” Galloway said. “Sam has only missed once. The groundhog up there, he doesn’t know his groundhog from a hole in the ground.”

The pageantry brings out an entire celebration, with performers, dancing, and even the presence of the possum man and possum queens.

Visitors say the celebration showcases Alabama and how some people can embrace their silly sides.

“Sam is like a beacon of hope,” WQSB radio host Holli Mostella said. “He gives us the beacon of hope we’re looking for. We come together from one county to another, we all connect, and we have fun with it.”

It’s not smooth sailing every year for Sam and his predictions. In 2020, wildlife laws caught up with Sam, and the prediction had to come from a stuffed toy possum rather than a live one.

“We had trouble with it one year, because we had to find a replacement for Sam at the last minute,” Galloway said. “He wasn’t able to perform his duties.”

According to Alabama law, it’s actually illegal to have a pet possum. That was, until the Alabama legislature approved an exception for Bama Bucks, a restaurant along US-431.

“PETA came and actually threatened us until Terry Turk with Bama Bucks got permission from the Alabama Senate,” he said. “He now has the rights to handle a possum.”

Regardless of some bumps in the road, dark skies, or even longer winters, this underdog marsupial has become a shining light for the community, giving some laughs along the way, too.

“People may think that possums are a nuisance, but they’re also the bringer of good news,” Mostella said.

2026’s Possum Day will be held on February 2 at the WQSB building off US-431.

Organizers said Sand Mountain Sam will have a police escort to his special prediction.

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