Prosecutor May Seek Death Penalty for Phil on February 2

Prosecutor May Seek Death Penalty for Phil

Groundhog Day is a popular observance in many parts of the United States, especially in our Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, lives at Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. 

Punxsutawney Phil will be making his annual prediction of an early Spring, or six more weeks of Winter next Sunday, on February 2.  The gate opens at 3 a.m. with Phil's verdict announced at about 7:25 a.m.

Phil’s verdict will determine his fate with the Prosecutor. If it’s cloudy when he emerges from his burrow, then Spring will come early; if it’s sunny, and he sees his shadow and goes back into its burrow, Winter weather will continue for six more weeks.  Many weather researchers questioned the groundhog’s accuracy in predicting the weather, but Phil’s fans may not agree.

Punxsutawney’s small town of 6,000 is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors to enjoy the various Groundhog Day activities beginning Jan. 31^st.   Events will include art shows, music, contests, hayrides and screenings of the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day. This occasion gives people a break in the middle of Winter to enjoy the outdoors and entertainment. If you are looking to “tie the knot,” the Mayor of Punxsutawney will be performing wedding ceremonies at in Phil’s Wedding Chapel at the Civic Center in the town square.

 “Groundhog Day is a fun holiday and celebration,” says Katie Donald, executive director of the Groundhog Club of Punxsutawney. “Many say there is no shadow of a doubt about that.”

The first Groundhog Day in the United States was held in Punxsutawney in the 1800s, with Phil’s first official trek to Gobbler's Knob being made on February 2, 1887. It is said that Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip.

Phil’s forecast is no less reliable than the

National Weather Service.

For further information and schedule of events, click on:  Phil