Punxsutawney Phil
Groundhog Day 2014 Guide: Punxsutawney Phil facts, tips for heading to Gobbler’s Knob and more
Gobbled from the Article by Julia Hatmaker, PennLive.com, February 1, 2014
Groundhog Day for 2014 has arrived. For the town of Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania where famed weather prognosticator Phil resides, February 2nd means an epic flood of people, as crowds of thousands converge on Gobbler’s Knob for the weather reveal.
PennLive’s Anna Orso is there to be the first to deliver the news of whether we have six more weeks of winter or if spring is on the horizon.
Not sure if you believe in Phil? Well, I’m prepared to tackle all of you haters. Last year, after getting loads of grief from my co-workers, I penned this ode to the groundhog: “Why I never gave up hope in Punxsutawney Phil.”
But there’s more to Phil and Punxsy than just his weather prediction. Last year we spent a few days in the town, gathering a sense for why this one marmot has become the stuff of holiday legend.
We talked with Phil’s handlers, the Inner Circle of the Groundhog Day, about why they use so much caution (turns out someone doesn’t always wake up on the right side of the bed). We also chatted with circle member Ron Ploucha about how he went from Groundhog Day hater to being one of its biggest champions.
The town of Punxsutawney itself is a quaint place, filled with people who prize friendliness and storytelling. We chatted with many residents over lunch at Nick’s – we ate the signature hamburger in a hot dog bun, of course.
If you’re planning on heading Punxsy way, make sure you review our list of the 10 things you have to know (including tips on when to arrive and how to get there). Also give our list of things to do in Punxsutawney a gander. While you are there, make sure you nab one of these quirky souvenirs (groundhog hats for all!). Don’t forget to learn these ten great Phil facts too.
Do you think Phil will see his shadow and forecast six more weeks of winter? Or will the shadow be absent and spring finally arrive? (You can guess or look for Phil’s prediction).
P.S. Consider this, fracking is very unfriendly to groundhogs and the other creatures of nature including … people, i.e. the local residents who are looking into the shadows for clues about rural lands disturbances and climate change! DGN
Point Your RSS Reader to FrackCheckWV.net/feed/
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Groundhog Day 2014: Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow, 6 more weeks of winter, Washington Post, 2/2/2014
At 7:25 a.m. Sunday, a raw, cloudy and damp morning, Groundhog Phil saw his shadow in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pa.
The appearance of Phil’s shadow means winter will extend well into March according to folklore. Had Phil not seen his shadow, it would have meant spring is around the corner.
Phil’s prediction may depress residents in the eastern U.S., weary from repeated outbreaks of arctic air.