Groundhog Day
According to legend, if the weather is overcast when the groundhog emerges from his burrow on 2 February, spring will come early. If it is sunny, the groundhog will see his shadow and winter will last 6 more weeks.
If the Ground Hog emerges his from his burrow on 2 February in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and see his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter.
If he doesn’t see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
Groundhog Day dates back to colonial times, when German descendants living in the US state of Pennsylvania decided that the behaviour of groundhogs emerging from hibernation could predict the weather.
As many as 40,000 people gather in the tiny community of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, each year on Groundhog Day to observe Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow.
Founded in 1850, the town has a population of 5,962 people. Pittsburgh is the nearest large city.
Accommodation options include bed and breakfasts, cabins, campgrounds, hotels, inns, and motels. There is also a handful of bakeries, cafes, pizza parlours, and restaurants.
The event is also covered by the national media. According to organizers, the groundhog’s behaviour is accurate between 75% and 90% of the time.
Groundhog Day is also celebrated in several other rural communities in the Eastern United States and Canada.