PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) – Though Groundhog Day is officially observed on February 2, the Groundhog Club and Punxsutawney have a full weekend of activities for the whole family planned starting today, Saturday, January 31..
(Photo courtesy Punxsutawney Phil)
The annual event, held on February 2 in Punxsutawney, draws thousands of visitors from around the world to a borough of just under 6,000 residents. Preparations for each year’s festivities typically start well in advance, but ramp up throughout the month of January.
Festivities will be held in a heated “Celebration Tent” located in Barclay Square and at businesses throughout Punxsutawney.
Activities and events will include food vendors, musical performances, comedians, walking tours, art displays, and more.
“We have a lot of great events planed this year, both new events and traditional favorites,” said Katie Donald, Executive Director of the Groundhog Club.
Events Donald highlighted for this year include performances by stand-up comedian Seth Knorr, folk story telling by Joe Wos, and Master Balloon Artist Dennie Huber.
A schedule of events for each day is available at the corresponding links:
Saturday, January 31
Sunday, February 1
Monday, February 2
The festivities will culminate with the Inner Circle’s 129th Trek to Gobbler’s Knob where Punxsutawney Phil will give his prognostication to the masses.
In the past, upwards of 20,000 fans have gathered in the natural amphitheater early in the morning to hear whether Western Pennsylvania will have an early spring or experience six more weeks of winter weather.
This year, crowds are expected to be less due to February 2 falling on a Monday.
“This being a week day, we will see a smaller crowd, but we should get a large amount of visitors on our website,” said Donald.
For those who can’t make it to Punxsutawney, Phil’s prognostication at Gobbler’s Knob will be broadcast live on PCN starting at 6:00 a.m.
“We are very excited for a wonderful weekend leading up to a great celebration on February 2. We hope to see everyone there!” said Donald.
For more information on this year’s festivities, visit Groundhog.org.
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