Punxsutawney Phil
The Skinny on Punxsutawney Phil
Punxsutawney
Phil is a distinguished groundhog, whose annual antics include
forecasting the arrival of spring and overseeing formal functions
for this Pennsylvania town.
Phil lives in the Punxsutawney Public Library, where he has
access to all of his favorite books and can visit with his
faithful fans. He enjoys the publicity his position has afforded
him, though he finds it strange that so many people are
interested in his day-to-day affairs.
Once a year on Groundhog Day, he makes his most memorable mark,
peaking out of Gobbler's Knob to speak in
"groundhogese" and foretell the timing of the seasonal
change. After that, he retires, perhaps to read one of the
classics or just eat a nice, quiet meal.
Every February 2, people gather at Gobbler's Knob, just outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Residents contend that the groundhog has never been wrong. The ceremony in Punxsutawney was held in secret until 1966, and only Phil's prediction was revealed to the public. Since then, Phil's fearless forecast has been a national media event.
The groundhog comes out of his electrically heated burrow, looks for his shadow and utters his prediction to a Groundhog Club representative in "groundhog." The representative then translates the prediction for the general public.
If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner. Approximately 90% of the time, Phil sees his shadow. Phil started making predictions in 1887 and has become an American institution.
CONGRATULATIONS
You have found ME, Phil, burrowed in My Little World On The Web. Shhh....it's a secret..don't tell anyone where I am burrowed at. Email Susanne and tell her that you found me on her Punxsutawney Phil page and she will send you a special "Phil" award for your site! Don't forget to include your name, web address, and email address! Oh...if you sign my guestbook, please be sure not to tell anyone where you found Phil.....Remember..SHHHHH!
There's no place like HOME
Credits and such: Information on Phil and some graphics on this page were obtained from the Pennsylvania State Web Site at http://www.visit.state.pa.us/groundhogday/html/phil_who.html
I found the background, main Phil Graphic, and some of the text information on a public domain site...however, I failed to note the address. If anyone knows the origin, please email me so I can give the site the proper credit.
