
On a chilly morning that saw temperatures dip into the teens, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob and saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
His forecast was met with applause from the large crowd that gathered to witness the annual Pennsylvania event steeped in tradition and folklore.
Surrounded by the members of the Inner Circle, a group that cares for Phil year-round and organizes the festivities, the world-famous groundhog made his appearance just as the sun rose.
According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter weather; if not, an early spring is expected.
The prediction is good news for winter sports enthusiasts and the state’s tourism sector.
“A little more winter is something to be excited about in Pennsylvania,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan. “Phil’s predictions mean good news for the commonwealth’s more than 20 winter resorts from the Poconos in the east and the Allegheny Mountains in the west. Visitors will have a few extra weeks to head to the mountains or explore the winter beauty of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks before spring arrives.”
The annual Groundhog Day event dated back to 1886 and attracts tens of thousands of spectators to Punxsutawney each year on February 2. The tradition has been popularized further in films and on Broadway.
Thomas A. Dunkel, president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, shared his joy over the day’s success.
“It’s humbling to be part of one of the nation’s most inclusive and fun-filled celebrations, where all Americans can come together and simply have a good time,” said Dunkel. “It truly seemed like this was yet again a record-breaking year for Gobbler’s Knob and Punxsutawney. And whatever people think about Phil’s predictions, we can all agree it was another amazing Groundhog Day for the books.”
Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction not only draws local attendees but also captures international attention as the ceremony was broadcast around the globe.
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