Lovers of the classic 1993 film will lead little introduction to Groundhog Day Punxsutawney Phil. The movie shot the small town of Punxsutawney Pennsylvania to fame. However, many of you might not know that the film is based on a festival that goes back to the 16th Century.
Groundhog Day Punxsutawney Phil
Legend has it that if Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his long slumber at Gobbler’s Knob on 2 February and sees its shadow then winter will continue for a further six weeks. However, if the groundhog sees no shadow then spring will arrive earlier than expected.
The festival is celebrated by Pennsylvania Dutch or Germans, and is celebrated across the US and Canada, but it is the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day that has really caught the imagination.
The tradition stems from Germany where the badger was thought to have similar weather forecasting powers. This was brought to the United States with the German-speaking settlers.
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club was proclaimed in 1887 by a bunch of groundhog hunters and Punxsutawney Phil was declared the one true weather prognosticating groundhog.
Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Day Events
The festival has grown into a major event with some 30,000 people expected to attend with further millions watching on television or via the internet.
The day involves a series of events including Gobbler’s Knob’s Got Talent, the Groundhog Ball and Banquet, as well as lunch with Phill. Details of all the events can be found here.
Groundhog Day Movie
The 1993 film Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, has become a comedy classic.
Weather reporter Phil Connors (Bill Murray) reluctantly goes to the town of Punxsutawney to see what his namesake’s prediction will be. The only consolation is his beautiful producer Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell). Unfortunately she can not stand the arrogant, self-centred and misogynistic Connors. A blizzard descends and Connors finds himself trapped not just in space but in time destined to live the same day over and over again. But does this provide him with the opportunity to win the love of Hanson?
If you can not make it to Punxsutawney on 2 February then grab yourself some popcorn and watch the movie instead. Merits repeat viewing.
When Is Groundhog Day Punxsutawney?
It is celebrated on 2 February each year.
Where Is Groundhog Day Pennsylvania?
Gobbler’s Creek is about two miles outside of the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Where to Stay in Punxsutawney PA for Groundhog Day?
To find where to stay in Punxsutawney PA for Groundhog Day, use our handy comparison engine. We scan all the major booking sites, saving you time and effort.
Things To Do in Pennsylvania
For more information on what to do in Pennsylvania we suggest you go to www.visitPA.com.
