Today is Groundhog Day 2010! Punxsutawney Phil (the most famous groundhog). When you think of Groundhog Day, you probably think of that cheesy movie with Bill Murray from 1993. But actually, there is some history to good ole’ “Punxsutawney Phil”.
German settlers landed in Punxsutawney, Philadelphia in the 1700’s. They brought with them a tradition known as “Candlemas Day”.
Punxsutawney is in Western Pennsylvania where Groundhog Day is a big event there since 1886. The festivities on Groundhog Day is a huge event at Gobblers Knob. Check out their website for the big day of events!
In the last 10 years Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring only one time! The others, 6 long weeks of winter! Another year of a long winter!
Here are some interesting facts about Groundhogs:
The average groundhog is 20 inches long and normally weighs from 12 to 15 pounds. Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds and is 22 inches long.
A groundhog’s life span is normally 6 to 8 years. Phil receives a drink of a magical punch every summer during the annual Groundhog Picnic, which gives him 7 more years of life.
In 1981 Phil wore a yellow ribbon in honor of the American hostages in Iran.
In 2001, Phil’s prediction was shown live on the JumboTron at Times Square in New York City.
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