Spring is coming to Plumas County — at least according to “Chuck Wood” — Quincy’s answer to Punxsutawney Phil.

  Chuck didn’t see his shadow when he popped out at the Groundhog Fever Festival on Feb. 2, thus signifying an early onset of spring. James Wilson and Johnny Mansell traced Chuck’s colorful history before the critter made his appearance.

  The Quincy Revival Committee sponsored the event, which drew a couple thousand to the grounds of the county courthouse.

  A nonstop array of entertainment held the festival-goers’ interest while they sampled chili, visited booths and chatted with their friends and neighbors.

  From the Shadow Shuffle run/walk to the food-eating contest to the buy-a-date fundraiser, there was something sure to entertain everyone.

  A long line formed for a chance to view Quincy from a perch atop an 85-foot ladder courtesy of the Quincy Volunteer Fire Department.

  The chili cook-off drew nine participants, with Mill Creek Fish & Chips taking top honors with its catfish chili. Melissa Gilbert’s Not-So Vegan Chili took a close second and United Bikers of Northern California placed third with its ultra classic chili.

  When it came to sweets, Chris Rider won the contest for eating the most doughnuts and cupcakes provided by Papa’s Donut House and QT’s Bakery. Captain Cupcake Brian Plocki, a crowd favorite, managed to down five cupcakes in the five-minute timed event, but left the doughnuts intact.

  In between events, Cody Clayton, the Fish Tacos and Johnny Walker took turns performing. And those who wanted a little exercise could get moving with Zumba.

  The buy-a-date event raised money for Tru Community, a nonprofit started by Jennifer Ludvigson in honor of her son Simon Tru, who battled and overcame an illness that required her family to travel frequently to obtain medical care.

  Auctioneer Lisa Kelly sang the praises of three Feather River College cowboys and two local men as women in the crowd raised their paddles to buy a date, who came with a bag of treats from Carey’s Candy Co. and dinner and drinks from local establishments including Moon’s, Pangaea, Main Street Sports Bar and the Drunk Brush.