Forget about first robins and the blooming of the prairie crocus. For some Winnipeggers, the opening of the BDI is the real first sign of spring.

A Winnipeg institution for the last 60 years, the Bridge Drive-In opened its doors for business Saturday, a week ahead of schedule and marking the official end of winter. That is provided Mother Nature doesn’t have other plans.

“We were looking for something to do to break up the day and thought we might as well come for ice cream,” said John Graumann, enjoying a milkshake with sons Evan, 6 and Nolin, 3, while their mom was at work.

Graumann, for one, isn’t quite sure that we have seen the last of Old Man Winter.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I have a feeling we’re not done (with winter) yet, but we’ll see.”

While the forecast calls for chance of flurries for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Todd Slatnik and his wife Christa decided to enjoy the early signs of spring with daughters Alyssa, 5, and Sierra, 3, after the girls’ last swimming class of the season.

“The nice, beautiful sun that actually makes it feel warm today, with the puddles for the girls to jump in,” said Christa.

“The BDI is open, the geese are flying overhead,” added Todd. “It’s a gorgeous day.”