PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – Saturday, February 2nd is National Groundhog Day.
This morning, Pennsylvania’s world-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring after not seeing his shadow. This is a rare occasion as it has only happened 19 times in the 133-year history of Groundhog Day.
“Every February 2nd, we look forward to celebrating this beloved Pennslyvania tradition with the rest of the world,” Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said.
The legend declares that if the groundhog emerges early on the morning of February 2nd and sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter weather. If the groundhog does not see his shadow, then spring is on the way.
The annual event started in 1886 when a spirited group of groundhog hunters named themselves “The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club” and proclaimed Punxsutawney Phil the one and only weather-predicting groundhog.
The event grows every year, now attracting up to 30,000 visitors.
The city of Punxsutawney was originally a Native American campsite. It is located on the earliest known trail to the east, the Shamokin Path.
