Thursday, February 2^nd is Groundhog Day and folks in Punxsutawney are already in full swing for this year’s event.  Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has the distinction of having the largest celebration for this annual event, made famous in the 1993 film Groundhog Day.  Historically, this Pennsylvania German tradition began in the early 1800’s.  The celebrity of all of the festivities is Punxsutawney Phil, the on-site predictor of the end of the chill of winter.  If it is a cloudy morning when Phil comes out of his burrow, then spring will arrive early.  If it’s a sunny day, Phil is supposed to see his shadow and go right back to his little burrow, meaning winter will continue for another 6 weeks.  There’s plenty of fun to be had in this small Pennsylvania town for the week leading up to Groundhog Day, with social events, speeches, and family fun.  By the way, there are other Groundhog Day celebrations going on in Pennsylvania: Lancaster County, Schuylkill County and Bucks, County.

Here are some events going on in the town on February 2^nd:

Punxsutawney Phil’s 131^st Groundhog Day begins at 3 am and ends at 8 am at Gobbler’s Knob with performances, fireworks, and of course, Phil.

Join in the fun after Phil’s prognostication for chainsaw wood carving, ice carving show, wine tasting and a walking tour. There’s also bingo, hay rides, wedding and vow renewal ceremonies (reservations required), an Oreo cookie stacking contest, and a birthday party for Phil.

Find a full schedule of events at: http://www.pennlive.com/life/2017/01/groundhog_day_2017_schedule.html

Wolf Run Manor at Treasure Lake in DuBois, PA is only a 40-minute drive to downtown Punxsutawney and offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to all the Groundhog Day events.  This RCI Hospitality Award winning resort features one- and two-bedroom units with fireplaces, full kitchens, on-site laundry, pool, and tennis.   In winter months, enjoy cross country and downhill skiing not far from the resort.  During milder months guests can play a round of golf at a local course, go horseback riding, boating or spend time on the area lake and beach.

 

—  contributed by Chris Golden