Last Updated on: 16th March 2024, 05:55 pm
As the midpoint of winter approaches, a tradition captures the attention of millions of Americans annually. This tradition revolves around the age-old question: “Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow, or won’t he? Are we in for six more weeks of winter, or not?”
Popularized by the 1993 Bill Murray film, where a TV weatherman experiences the same day repeatedly and is compelled to report on the annual celebration, Groundhog Day unfolds each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, specifically at Gobbler’s Knob.
When is Groundhog Day 2024?
Scheduled for Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, Groundhog Day draws thousands to Gobbler’s Knob, with the grounds opening at 3 a.m. Additionally, millions tune in eagerly to witness Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction regarding the shadow on February 2nd every year.
What is Groundhog Day & What did it say?
Groundhog Day has been a yearly tradition in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, since 1987, organized by the “Inner Circle” of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. This group orchestrates the ceremony, plans events, and takes care of Punxsutawney Phil, ensuring his well-being and sustenance.
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Did the Groundhog see his shadow 2024?
The forecast hinges on Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow: if he sees it, he predicts six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring is foretold. However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Phil has accurately predicted the weather only about 40% of the time in the last decade. The NOAA acknowledges the inherent difficulty of predicting spring’s arrival for the entire United States.
Why does PETA want Punxsutawney Phil sent to a sanctuary?
Expressing concerns about the potential exploitation of Punxsutawney Phil for publicity, PETA sent a letter in January to Tom Dunkel, the president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. PETA suggested sending the groundhog to a sanctuary and even offered a giant coin as a tourist attraction substitute.
PETA emphasized that Punxsutawney Phil, not being a meteorologist, deserves better than annual exploitation for tourism profits. This isn’t the first time PETA has made such requests, having previously proposed sending a human volunteer to make the prediction or replacing the groundhog with a persimmon tree and an animatronic groundhog.
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