Feb. 2 will be the 132nd annual Groundhog Day. You don’t have to go all the way to Pennsylvania to watch Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow. You can watch the proceedings on a live webcam feed. Before the big day, though, you should take some time to learn a few Groundhog Day facts. Quiz your friends to find out if they’re in the know when it comes to this annual tradition.
Groundhog Day Started in 1887
If you think Groundhog Day is new, you couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, Groundhog Day began in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 2, 1887. Newspaper editor Clymer Freas got the idea and brought in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The crew made the trek to Gobbler’s Knob and watched the first groundhog see his shadow and retreat.
Groundhog Day Brings in Tens of Thousands of Spectators
You can stream the Groundhog Day festivities on your phone or computer, but that hasn’t kept tens of thousands of people from descending on Punxsutawney every year. To put that number in perspective, Punxsutawney has around 6,000 residents, so it often has more visitors than residents.
How Many Phils Have There Been?
Punxsutawney Phil isn’t just a groundhog. He’s a legend. Legend has it that the same Punxsutawney Phil has proceeded over his namesake holiday year after year. He’s been able to beat the odds by drinking a magical punch every summer. The punch adds years to his life.
In reality, no one knows how many Punxsutawney Phils there have been.
Punxsutawney Phil Isn’t the Only Star of Groundhog Day
Punxsutawney Phil might be the king of the groundhogs, but he isn’t the only one predicting the weather. Various cities around the country have their own versions of Groundhog Day. These festivities might be popular with local residents, but they have yet to reach legendary status. Punxsutawney Phil is a one-of-a-kind guy, so no matter how hard those other cities try, they likely won’t be able to catch up with the original groundhog.
After Groundhog Day, you’ll find out if you’re going to need to keep your winter coat out for a few more weeks or if you can start planning your garden. Regardless of the answer, though, you can still benefit from a trip to Garden State Honda in Clifton/Passaic, New Jersey. We can help you find wheels that are perfect for all seasons. Then, you will be ready to go whether Phil sees his shadow or not.
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