BANNER ELK, N.C. -- The Woolly Worm Festival came to Banner Elk this weekend but despite being closed the second day, the woolly worm did make its winter prediction.

• Woolly worms race up a string and the first one to the top makes the prediction
• Predictions are based on the worm's stripes
• Looks like there will be some snow this winter

This year, it’s looking like we’ll have a snowy start to this winter.

According to folklore, the woolly worm can predict the winter based on the stripes on their back. The worm that makes it up the string fastest is who makes that prediction.

The first three weeks of winter might have below average temperatures and snow. The fourth week there might be below average temperatures and a frost or light snow. The next six weeks, we should have below average temperatures, but no snow. According to the worm, those last three weeks of winter sees the return to frost and light snow.

“I like the cold, but I don’t like the snow and ice,” Banner Elk resident Elijah Cook said.

RELATED: Woolly Worm Festival Canceled Due to Overnight Wind Damage

According to this year's beans in a jar claim, we will have 29 snow storms.The way it works is for every foggy morning in August, a bean is added to the jar. The number of beans is the number of snow storms we'll see.

Residents say last year’s predictions were pretty accurate and some are rooting for the snow.

“It's hard to figure out what it's going to be. I am an avid skier. I hope it's going to be a great winter snow,” Banner Elk resident Van Lecka said.

All the proceeds from the festival typically go back to the community through non-profits and schools. The town took a big financial hit because they had to close the second day of the festival. They're asking for help in the form of donations.