You know those magical days on holiday you wish you could relive daily… well, they really are a thing on Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania.
A twist, if you will, on the cynical TV weatherman scoffing at the traditions of a town’s meteorological powers of prediction.
Who Bill Murray played in the movie Groundhog Day and who was condemned to relive the same day over and over again.
Hello woodchuck
The day in question is just around the corner, February 2, the magical town Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania.
Which celebrates the semi-mythical groundhog, or woodchuck if you’re British, named Punxsutawney Phil.
We have the Pennsylvania Dutch and their superstitions to thank for our tale.
That if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den.
And then winter will go on for six more weeks.
And if it doesn’t, spring will arrive early.
Keep a weather eye
It all dates back to 1886 when a spirited group of groundhog hunters dubbed themselves ‘The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’.
And proclaimed Punxsutawney Phil, the local groundhog, to be the one and only weather prognosticating groundhog.
Phil’s fame spread and today you will find up to 30,000 at his day.
And millions watching on TV or streaming on the internet.
Just fly to Pittsburgh, rent a car and drive up to Punxsutawney which will take you an hour and a half.
What happens next is up to you… it is after all Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania.
