On Feb. 2, we find out if we are in for six more weeks of winter or the early arrival of spring. Groundhog Day originated in Pennsylvania and is a Dutch superstition that if a groundhog comes out from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will return to its den, and winter will continue on for six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see its shadow due to overcast weather, spring will arrive early.

Groundhog Day is not necessarily scientific, and the weather predictions are often wrong. The first official Groundhog Day celebration was on Feb. 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and was brought to the United States by German immigrants.

The groundhog’s name, Punxsutawney Phil, is named after Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, which is where the Groundhog Day ceremony takes place. The records kept by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club show that Phil has predicted 105 extended winters and 20 early springs. Data from the Stormfax Almanac reveals that Phil’s accuracy rate is 39 percent.  It is more likely for Phil to predict an extended winter rather than early spring, according to records from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

There is an annual groundhog banquet held in Pennsylvania, where the man and woman of the year for Punxsutawney are announced. There is a downloadable form on The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s website to nominate the Punxsutawney Man and Woman of the Year. These forms should be returned to the GHC Visitor Center and the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce. All nominations must be turned in by Friday, January 14th at 12 pm to the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce.

If you are interested in purchasing some Punxsutawney Phil merchandise, there are items for sale ranging from coffee to sweatshirts.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club is an organization with 13 local members serving as the board of directors referred to as The Inner Circle. The purpose of this Inner Circle is to maintain excitement for Groundhog Day and Phil’s Legend.

Groundhog Day is not something to be taken lightly for The Groundhog Club; this is a serious holiday out in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.  With the increasing excitement and tourists, the number of events is increasing annually. Some other events are A Day at the Knob, Annual Groundhog Club Picnic & Phil Phest, Gobbler’s Knob Wine Festival, Hogtoberfest, Phil’s Trick or Trot 5K, Elderly Care Gift Drive, Phil’s Holiday Bash, and more.

On Feb. 2, 2023,  Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. After Phil’s prediction was established, the crowd repeatedly chanted, “six more weeks!”