Here's the scoop about Groundhog Day (Not the movie!)
The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, USA, where crowds as high as 40,000 have gathered to celebrate the holiday since at least 1886. They have a resident groundhog by name of Punxsutawney Phil . On February 2, (Groundhog Day) of each year, the town of Punxsutawney celebrates the beloved groundhog with a festive atmosphere of music and food. During the ceremony, which begins well before the winter sunrise, Phil emerges from his temporary home on Gobbler's Knob, located in a rural area about 2 mi (3.2 km) east of town. According to the tradition, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, the United States will have six more weeks of winter. If Phil does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early.The date of Phil's prognostication is known as Groundhog Day in the United States and Canada. During the rest of the year, Phil lives in the town library with his "wife" Phyllis. A select group, called the Inner Circle, takes care of Phil year-round and also plan the annual ceremony. Members of the Inner Circle are recognizable by their top hats and tuxedos.
We have our own groundhog for this area,Holland Huckleberry, known affectionately as "Hucky", owned by Charlie Hoag (Holland is one of our suburbs).
Some 10 years ago a coyote killed a mother groundhog on the Hoags' property. A day later, Mr. Hoag found the young orphan, maybe 3 weeks old, tops. Nursed to health by the Hoags, the critter has been the couple's house pet ever since.
Anyway, Hucky DIDN'T see his shadow, indicating an early Spring! Woo Hoo! Hey, this time of year, we cling to anything that hints of winter's end. Trouble is, six weeks from now will be mid March, and it's usually still winter weather here regardless! "Early Spring" is just wishful thinking!
Anyway, I wish Hucky a good year; apparently 10 years of age is quite old for a hoggie!
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