Groundhog Day: Pennsylvania & America, Phil, PETA & More

There is absolutely nothing scientific to this … and, I just love it.

Every February 2nd, it’s “Groundhog Day.”

As folklore has it, when Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow, it means an early Spring will occur.

Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada.

About 30,000 or more people attend this special event each and every year.

There are wonderful evening events that take place the night before as everyone awaits sunrise and then they head to Gobbler's Knob to witness Punxsutawney Phil exit from his winter den.

It's simple. If Phil sees his shadow, it's six more weeks of bad weather.

An early spring will arrive if Phil does not see his shadow.

There are many great traditions that have existed in America for 100 plus years and more. In this case, this February 2nd will mark 138 years for Phil.

This time last year, The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, (PETA) wrote a letter attacking the entire Punxsutawney Phil tradition, writing on January 30, 2022:

As you know, Phil is certainly not a real meteorologist and didn't volunteer for this job. For far too long, he's been dragged out of a fake tree stump and subjected to noise, flashing lights, and crowds, against all of his natural instincts.

A dystopian America seems to be coming true with each passing day.

Yes, politics has crept into every imaginable aspect of American life ... even regarding a timeless, ageless groundhog.

The PETA organization suggests that "Punxsutawney Phil" be retired and that instead, they should  consider planting persimmon trees to predict the weather.

Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Club President Jeff Lundy has often emphasized how well taken care of Phil is, saying that he's "treated like The King" of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Here are some Punxsutawney Phil Fun Facts:

• Phil's longest stretch of seeing his shadow is 21 consecutive years, which came between
  1913 and 1933.
• His longest streak of not seeing his shadow is only two years between 2019 and 2020.
• The only time Phil did not appear was in 1943, during World War II.
• Phil's first official shadow sighting came in 1887, although for unknown reasons, it was followed by several years where no official recordings were taken.
• There is an official Punxsutawney Groundhog
  Club.
• This club has an Inner Circle, consisting of 15 members who are charged with protecting and perpetuating the legend of Punxsutawney Phil.
• Finally, Punxsutawney Phil usually gets it wrong. In 137 years, he's been right only 38 percent of the time.

I will continue my tradition and watch the movie “Groundhog Day” tonight.

My vote is to just leave Punxsutawney Phil alone.

NOTE: In the photo above, Punxsutawney Phil official handler, AJ Dereume holds Phil after he did not see his shadow in 2019.

SOURCES: Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Club & People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).