To Be or Not to Be?
The Fascinating History and Fun of Groundhog Day
Ryker Bush
The Ashland Beacon
"To be, or not to be that is the question." – William Shakespeare
But when it comes to Groundhog Day, the real question is: Will there be six more weeks of winter, or will we get an early spring? And there's only one little guy who can answer that for us – Punxsutawney Phil, the world-famous groundhog. Every year on Feb. 2, this furry weather forecaster makes his prediction at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with thousands of people watching in eager anticipation.
Groundhog Day isn't just a fun spectacle – it’s a centuries-old tradition with an intriguing blend of folklore, superstition, and a dash of good old-fashioned fun. The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated on Feb. 2, 1887, but its origins trace back even further to the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers, who believed that if a groundhog saw its shadow on Candlemas Day (Feb. 2), there would be six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog didn’t see its shadow, it was said to signal an early spring.
The event has evolved since then, with the good folks of Punxsutawney making the most famous weather prediction of all – thanks to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and a local newspaper editor, Clymer Freas, who decided to make it official. And so, Punxsutawney Phil became the nation’s official meteorologist – no training required, just a burrow and a penchant for shadows.
Today, Groundhog Day is celebrated with much fanfare, thanks to a group known as the Inner Circle. This group of local dignitaries, all dressed in top hats and speaking the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, is responsible for carrying on the centuries-old tradition. They are the ones who plan the events, take care of Phil, and ensure that everything runs smoothly each year. (Talk about a cushy job – feeding and pampering a groundhog, then throwing a party for thousands of excited spectators!)
The accuracy of Phil’s predictions may be up for debate, but that doesn’t stop people from tuning in year after year. Let’s take a look at the last 10 years of Phil’s weather forecasting track record:
2024: Early Spring – No shadow at 7:26 a.m., 36°F with overcast skies. Special guest Miranda Moore, 2023 Miss Pennsylvania, joins the Inner Circle.
2023: More Winter – Shadow at 7:24 a.m., 13°F with clear skies. PA Governor Josh Shapiro attends, and thousands of Eagles Super Bowl LVII fans join the fun.
2022: More Winter – Shadow at 7:27 a.m., 27°F with clear skies. A loyal crowd of thousands returned to Gobbler’s Knob.
2021: More Winter – Shadow at 7:25 a.m., 19°F with light snow. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no crowds were allowed at Gobbler’s Knob.
2020: Early Spring – No shadow at 7:26 a.m., 30°F with light snow falling.
2019: Early Spring – No shadow at 7:28 a.m., 14°F with fog & mist, and a -1°F wind chill.
2018: More Winter – Shadow at 7:25 a.m., 18,000 Phil fans witnessed him predict six more weeks of winter.
2017: More Winter – Shadow at 7:25 a.m., with a few light snow flurries as Phil made his prediction.
2016: More Winter – Shadow at 7:25 a.m., clear skies with 26°F, followed by an additional six weeks of winter.
2015: Early Spring – No shadow at 7:26 a.m., 10°F with overcast skies.
You might be wondering, why does the fate of spring rest on a groundhog's decision? Well, Groundhog Day has become a charming mix of community spirit, cultural tradition, and quirky fun. Beyond the weather forecast, it's about bringing people together to celebrate the magic of nature and the changing seasons. And let’s face it, there’s something inherently fun about watching a groundhog decide whether or not you’ll get to wear your shorts a little earlier than expected!
Whether you believe in Phil's weather predictions or not, one thing is for sure: Groundhog Day is a celebration of winter, spring, and everything in between. So, on Feb. 2, make sure to tune in and watch the little guy do his thing, and join the thousands of fans in the heart of Punxsutawney – because no matter what the forecast, it's always a good time when Punxsutawney Phil is involved!
Will it be six more weeks of winter? Or will spring come early? As always, we wait in anticipation, knowing that Punxsutawney Phil holds the answer.
Comments