PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) — The spotlight will be on the world’s most famous groundhog early Friday morning when thousands gather and millions more tune in from home to see Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler’s Knob.
The legend dictates that if the most famous groundhog in the world sees his shadow on February 2, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, an early spring can be expected.
While the cheers will likely be louder if Phil predicts a quick end to winter, most are just happy to take in the festivities with family and friends.
According to a more scientific weather forecast from weather.com, Friday is expected to be mostly cloudy, cold, and windy with a high temperature of 18 degrees and winds ranging from 15 to 25 miles per hour. There is a 20 percent chance of snow showers or flurries. The Inner Circle provides a bonfire for warmth and a stage show to keep everyone entertained as they wait for Phil to arrive, but don’t forget to dress warmly.
The gates at Gobbler’s Knob open at 3:00 a.m. Attendance is free and open to the public. Although parking is limited to handicapped individuals, individuals can catch a shuttle bus from town or make the trek to the Knob, much as the first hardy Phil fans did in the 1800s.
Phil looks for his shadow right at sunrise and makes his prediction to the president of the Inner Circle.
Punxsy Phil was always popular, but Groundhog Day really took off after the release of the 1993 film Groundhog Day.
Festivities continue throughout the weekend. There will be events such as Groundhog Bingo, Groundhog Day weddings, Phil 101, Inner Circle Autograph Signing Session, and Phil’s Birthday Party event for those born on February 2.
The town also hosts its Annual Craft Show n’ Sale and Groundhog Day Art Shows during the weekend. In the evening, check out the popular Cutting Edge Dueling Pianos show at The Burrow.
On Saturday, February 3, events include a Groundhog Jog, Top Hat Decorating Competition, Best Groundhog Day and Best Winter Wear Dog Competition, and the elegant Groundhog Ball, among many other activities.
Promoters of the festival even came up with a unique way to become part of the event with Phil-themed coffees. Crafted by the team at Keystone Coffee Service in Punxsutawney, the three specialty blends pay homage to the renowned groundhog’s legend and this unique slice of Pennsylvania heritage.
Inner Circle member “Sky Painter” Jeff Grube recognized his father’s face on the label for the “Old Tyme Blend,” the mildest of the three roasts made of beans from Colombia, Central America, and Brazil. It features a black-and-white photo of top-hatted Groundhog Club members, including Jeff’s father Bob Grube, with Phil at Gobblers Knob half a century ago.
“Phil’s Phinest,” a 100 percent Colombian medium roast, showcases “Phillage,” one of Punxsutawney’s most popular Phantastic Phil sculptures.
“Dark Shadow Blend,” a dark roast made of Central and South American beans, features a clever illustration by local artist Troy Hicks with Phil sitting in the foreground and his shadow sipping coffee behind him.
Phil fans and coffee lovers can buy Phil’s new coffees at the Groundhog Club Headquarters, Phil’s Official Souvenir Shop, and Laska’s Pizza, among other locations around the Weather Capital of the World.
They’re also available online at Groundhog.org/Phils-Club or GroundhogStuff.com.
For more information on this year’s festivities, visit Groundhog.org.
A schedule of events and travel guide is available here.
