Groundhog Day is celebrated all over North America, but the main celebration takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. There is a groundhog in the area named Punxsutawney Phil, and it has become an official ceremony that takes place on February 2. Punxsutawney Phil is famous, for sure, but California's got some major marmot marvelousness of its own. By Alysia Gray Painter • Published February 2, 2022 • Updated on February 2, 2022 at 7:03 am What is Groundhog Day? People flock to Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 2 every year to be a part of the celebrations revolving around Punxsutawney Phil's winter forecast. The Groundhog Day celebrations of the 1880s were carried out by the Punxsutawney Elks Lodge. The lodge members were the "genesis" of the Groundhog Club formed later, which continued the Groundhog Day tradition. But the lodge started out being interested in the groundhog as a game animal for food. It had started to serve groundhog at the lodge Groundhog Day is February 2 Always on Feb. 2, the biggest, national celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where up to 40,000 visitors show up. California also has a few, localized celebrations you may enjoy. Among them is the Quincy Groundhog Fever Day. Punxsutawney Phil has been the official groundhog weather forecaster since 1887. Friday is Groundhog Day, meaning people nationwide are waiting to see Punxsutawney Phil's prediction on how long winter will last. The intrigue: California has its own forecaster: Mojave Maxine, a desert tortoise at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. See how the groundhog became a symbol for predicting seasonal changes in America, rooted in German folklore with a badger — which in turn lead to Groundhog Day. On Sunday, February 2 – Groundhog Day – we invite you to make a change in your life, however big or small, such as riding a bike instead of driving, or avoiding single-use plastic. As a thank you, visit San Francisco Zoo & Gardens that day and receive free admission! One small change can make a difference. Groundhog Day is always celebrated on February 2 and this year, that falls on a Sunday. GROUNDHOG DAY 2025: Tune into The Weather Network on TV or follow along on our website as we track the early Groundhog Day is a lighthearted holiday celebrated annually across North America in which ‘prognosticating’ animals predict the onset of spring. Traditionally, on February 2nd, various groundhogs across North America are consulted by local public figures (often a mayor) for an annual weather prediction: Groundhog Day is celebrated in Canada and the United States every year on 2 February. Legend has it that watching a groundhog emerge from its burrow can determine the weather forecast for the coming weeks. A lion dance performance during 2023 Lunar New Year celebrations in St. John's. (William Ping/CBC)Out with the dragon, in with the snake.Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year — and Birmingham Jill the 2021 Groundhog Day forecaster. (Birmingham Zoo) Smith Lake Jake and Birmingham Jill are back in business! On January 31 and February 2, the two furry friends are set to make their weather projections for the year. Keep reading to learn more about these events and how you can celebrate Groundhog Day. Events kicking off in celebration of Groundhog Day The events get underway Thursday, welcoming the groundhog, Woodstock Willie. The first Groundhog Day was celebrated on Feb. 2, 1887, at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney. The holiday has roots in a few different religions, but it took a similar message from each of them. The Northern California town of Quincy hosts a fun event on Groundhog Day. Mark the day by attending this fun event on Feb. 3, 2024. Celebrate the magic with us at these unforgettable events with Groundhog Day festivities kick off in Woodstock!: 📅 Jan 30, 2025 Children’s Groundhog Storytime @ Old Courthouse Center Welcoming of the Groundhog @ Old Courthouse Center 📅 Jan 31, 2025 Groundhog Day Movie Memorabilia Open House Groundhog Day Dinner Dance “Groundhog Day” the Movie Groundhog Day the Musical @ Woodstock Today the largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where as many as 40,000 people gather to see the groundhog. Subscribe Now - Catholic Online YouTube 'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education' With so many of Phil’s fans now devoted to the celebration, the Inner Circle hosts additional events and gatherings throughout the week leading up to Groundhog Day, including the Groundhog Ball and the Groundhog Banquet.
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