Punxsutawney Phil prepares to make prediction

February 2, 2023 31

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PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — It’s Groundhog Day and people are waiting to learn whether a furry critter in a western Pennsylvania town will predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter.

People will gather Thursday at Gobbler’s Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner circle” summon him from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he has seen his shadow. According to folklore, if he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring comes early.

The “inner circle” is a group of local dignitaries who are responsible for planning the events, as well as feeding and caring for Phil himself.

People cheer during a concert Punxsutawney Phil on Feb. 2, 2023 in Punxsutawney, Penn. — People cheer during the the 137th celebration of Groundhog Day as they await for Punxsutawney Phil on Feb. 2, 2023 in Punxsutawney, Pa.

Attenders watch the festivities while waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to come out and make his prediction during the the 137th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., on Feb. 2, 2023. — Attenders watch the festivities while waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to come out and make his prediction during the the 137th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., on Feb. 2, 2023.

A group of people stand next to a bonfire while waiting to see Phil on Feb. 2, 2023 in Punxsutawney, Pa.

People lay on a blow-up mattress inside the Punxsutawney Area Community Center the night before groundhog Day on Feb. 1, 2023 in Punxsutawney, Pa.

The annual event in Punxsutawney originated from a German legend about a furry rodent. Officials in the community — which is about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh — are hoping the usual crowd of between 10,000 to 15,000 visitors comes out for the event, which will also be live-streamed.

According to records dating back to 1887, Phil has predicted winter more than 100 times. Ten years were lost because no records were kept, organizers said.

If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter.

The 2021 forecast called for six more weeks of winter.

While Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous groundhog seer, he’s certainly not the only one. New York City’s Staten Island Chuck will also make his prediction Thursday during an event at the Staten Island Zoo.

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Written by: TNT Radio

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