Groundhog Day in PA

On February 2 in any given year there are precisely 6 more weeks of winter.
Don't believe me? Look at your calendar!However we Pennsylvanians rely on Punxsutawney Phil .... a groundhog ... to predict the weather.

The celebration of Groundhog Day began in Pennsylvania in the 1800's with the first "official" trek to Gobbler's Knob on Feb. 2, 1887. Rumor has it that Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. I suppose that's an honor and tribute? Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br'er Groundhog. (Threw that last part in so that you may impress your friends if it pops up as Final Jeopardy question some day.)

Festivities start at 3 am. Parking is limited so come early. However, for the bargain price of $5 per person, you may ride a shuttle from downtown (ha ha ha...if you've ever been there you'd understand) Punxsutawney to Gobbler's Knob to witness Phil's prediction in person.

Here are some FAQs:

• Yes! Punxsutawney Phil is the only true weather forecasting groundhog and has been predicting the weather for 120 years!. The others are just impostors. The number of imposters is mind-boggling!


• According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. Note: It woud be impossible not to see one's shadow with all the television lights and camera flashes.


• Phil's longevity stems from drinking the secret elixir of life. When he takes one sip at the Groundhog Picnic each summer, Phil is magically given an additional 7 years of life.


• After Phil emerges from his burrow, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president (also an imbiber of a special elixir) in "Groundhogese"(a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle).
  
• No! Phil's forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. Darn!

This yearly celebration of silliness was immortalized in the movie "Groundhog Day" released in 1993 starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott.

And for the curious, yes, he saw his shadow this morning and yes, there will be six more weeks of winter. Duh!