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If you love Groundhog Day, then Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is the place to visit. After all, anyone who plans a holiday around Groundhog Day would be loathe to visit any other site but the home of Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog of them all.
Most people know the legend of Punxsutawney Phil; a legend that this year celebrated its 125th anniversary in this small Pennsylvania town, where each Groundhog Day Phil is taken from his borough and asked to deliver a prediction about the coming seasons. Thousands gather on this day to watch members of the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club present Phil to the world (indeed, the event is broadcast live around the globe), setting him atop a ceremonial stump to determine the presence or absence of his shadow.
If Phil sees his shadow, then this brings a harbinger of six more weeks of winter; if no groundhog-generated shadow is apparent, then spring is just around the corner.
The ultimate Groundhog Day celebration would take place at this very ceremony, where guests could see and cheer on the loveable antics of Punxsutawney Phil. Just don’t forget to include some Groundhog Day party supplies, including stuffed Phil and Phyllis dolls, Groundhog Day headbands, mugs and shot glasses that bear Phil’s likeness, Groundhog Day coasters, key chains and charms. And while in Punxsutawney, guests also can behold the Phantastic Phils! Public Art Project; an adorable display of fiberglass sculptures that shows Phil in various roles, posed as everything from a reporter to the Statue of Liberty.
And once guests have absolutely ODed on Punxsutawney Phil, they may wish to take a leisurely walk down the 15.5-mile trail that follows the Mahoning Creek.
An amazing place to visit for Groundhog Day is Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; the place that the original prophetic groundhog calls home.
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Right click to copy the the printable Groundhog Day puzzle below.
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Right click to copy the the printable Groundhog Day puzzle
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* Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a popular tradition in the United States.
* It is also a legend that has survived centuries, its origins clouded in the mists of time with ancient cultures and animals awakening on specific dates.
* Myths like Ground Hogs Day tie our present to the past when nature influences our lives.
* The Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow. If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole.
* To our American forefathers, the ground hog was thought of as a most intelligent and sensible animal and therefore the people of Punxsutawney decided that if the sun did appear on February 2nd, so wise an animal as the groundhog would see its shadow and hurry back into its underground home for another six weeks of winter.
* Punxsutawney Phil (the ground hog who tells the weather) first made his appearance in 1886.
* During Prohibition Phil threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter on the community if he wasn't allowed a drink.
* Phil traveled to Washington DC in 1986 to meet with President Reagan.
* Phil appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show in 1995.
* Punxsutawney Phil also starred in the Hollywood feature “Ground Hogs Day” opposite Bill Murray.
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Educational Groundhog Day History Learning Guide
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