Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, made his weather prediction on Sunday in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The groundhog saw his shadow, which means he predicts six more weeks of winter. This event took place at Gobbler’s Knob, where a large crowd cheered for Phil as he made his appearance. The prediction was announced by his handlers, who said, “Only I know – you can’t trust A.I.”
This quirky tradition has been celebrated for over a century, with roots in European folklore. The event became widely popular after the 1993 film “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray, turning it into a huge celebration with tens of thousands of people attending each year.
During the event, crowds were treated to fireworks, confetti, live music, and performances from artists. Many notable people, including Governor Josh Shapiro, were in attendance. One attendee, Jon Lovitch, a gingerbread artist, shared that he had been coming to this event for 33 years and considered it the best midwinter party.
The tradition says that if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, but if he doesn’t, it signals an early spring. However, Phil’s predictions are often inaccurate. According to Tom Dunkel, president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, people attend for two reasons: some are believers looking for a good omen, while others are skeptics hoping to confirm their doubts.
Phil communicates his predictions in “Groundhog-ese,” a special language that his handler interprets using a cane passed down through the club. People can take a $5 bus ride to the site or walk a mile to reach Gobbler’s Knob. The event draws people from all over, with some even traveling from other states to experience it. The celebration continues to grow, with improvements like jumbo video screens and enhanced sound systems to accommodate the large crowd.
Though Phil is the star of the show, his family, including his partner Punxsutawney Phyllis, stays behind the scenes. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club believes that Phil has been predicting the weather for over 100 years, thanks to a magical “elixir of life” that keeps him alive. The tradition continues to thrive, bringing joy and fun to thousands of people each year.