PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — On Sunday, the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil witnessed his shadow, signaling six additional weeks of winter, as announced to an enthusiastic crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania. The turnout was larger than ever, with Phil’s devoted followers chanting his name as he was pulled from a hatch on his stump shortly after the sun rose. A member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read a proclamation claiming, “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
This beloved weather prediction tradition, originating over a century ago in western Pennsylvania and deeply rooted in European folklore, gained widespread fame thanks to the 1993 film “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. Today, it attracts tens of thousands of attendees, with similar festivities replicated across the U.S. and beyond.
According to tradition, if Phil does not see his shadow, it indicates an early arrival of spring. Conversely, if he does see it, winter will persist for a further six weeks. The crowd enjoyed fireworks, confetti, and a variety of musical performances to enhance the celebratory atmosphere as they awaited Phil’s appearance. Among the notable attendees were Governor Josh Shapiro, state and local officials, and a couple of pageant titleholders.
Jon Lovitch, a self-employed gingerbread artist from New York, shared his enthusiasm after attending for 33 years, remarking, “I enjoy the cold, and this is probably the biggest winter bash in the world. It’s just a great time.” Phil has historically predicted longer winters more frequently than early springs, with some assessments indicating his accuracy is less than 50%. What constitutes “six more weeks of winter” can vary widely in interpretation.
Tom Dunkel, president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, noted that attendees fall into two camps: the believers who come to validate their thoughts, and skeptics who hope to confirm their doubts. Dunkel described how Phil communicates his predictions through gestures known as “Groundhog-ese,” utilizing a special cane passed down through the club’s leadership.
Though participation in the event is free, attendees could pay $5 for shuttle buses to avoid walking a mile from nearby towns to the stage. Local schools even close when Groundhog Day occurs on a weekday, further accommodating the influx of visitors. Keith Post and his companions, who have watched the “Groundhog Day” film every year for the past five, traveled from Ohio this year to experience the event live. “We booked our rooms nearly a year ago, and we’re finally here,” Post said.
A new welcome center opened several years ago, and plans are underway for a second living space to accommodate Phil and his family, allowing them to split their time between Gobbler’s Knob and their residence at the local library. This year, the club also upgraded the event with large video screens and enhanced sound systems to accommodate the massive crowds more effectively.
A.J. Dereume, a member of the club’s inner circle and one of Phil’s caretakers, expressed that the event is a holiday that gives people the freedom to embrace something whimsical. Jackie Handley, visiting for the first time, bundled up against the cold while supporting a friend’s bucket list goal. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us; we probably won’t make it back,” she stated.
Following the prediction, Phil and the club members engaged with the audience for photos. Phil’s family includes his wife, Punxsutawney Phyllis, and their two pups, Shadow and Sunny, although they did not appear with him for the main event. The groundhog family enjoys a diet of fruits and vegetables and receives regular veterinary visits.
According to club lore, Phil is the same groundhog delivering forecasts for over a century, attributed to an “elixir of life” that grants him immortality. Dunkel remarked, “There’s only one Phil, and it’s not something that can be passed down. Just like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, there’s only one of him.”
Groundhog Day celebrations are now held in at least 28 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. In Pennsylvania, groundhogs across various locations also predicted more winter, while Octoraro Orphie from Quarryville stated that spring would be arriving soon. In Jackson, Georgia, another groundhog, “General Beauregard Lee,” also saw his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter, mirroring Phil’s prediction. In Nova Scotia, Canada, Shubenacadie Sam reported similar news after observing her shadow.
