The Appalachian Wagon Train is coming back to Jefferson County from June 20 through 26. According to the Punxsy Spirit, this marks the third time the .
Brookville, PA / KOOL 103.3 FM WKQL
Feb 5, 2021 4:07 PM
We all have heard that Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter Tuesday during a virtual Groundhog Day event.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors were not able to make the trek up to the knob this year and the community was left without its annual economic boost. Although, according to the Associated Press, Tuesday’s livestream from Gobbler’s Knob had more than 15,000 viewers at one point. However, the community did not see the swells of tourists who spend money on lodging, food, beverages and souvenirs.
Punxsutawney Mayor Richard Alexander noted that on a normal Groundhog Day, there are so many festivities and businesses and restaurants are flooded with guests.
Punxsutawney Phil returned to his burrow one day after he saw his shadow and predicted another six weeks of winter. But residents and merchants in the tiny Pennsylvania town that Phil put on the map are hoping the coronavirus pandemic does not continue to cast its shadow over the next Groundhog Day.
This year’s virtual Groundhog Day event left the community, which is about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh, without its annual economic boost from visitors who spend money on lodging, food, beverages and souvenirs.
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“There was hardly anyone,” said Mayor Richard Alexander. “The economic impact was really bad.”
Shawn Marsh
Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 135th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Phil s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter weather during this year s event that was held without anyone in attendance due to potential COVID-19 risks. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) February 03, 2021 - 12:27 PM
Punxsutawney Phil returned to his burrow one day after he saw his shadow and predicted another six weeks of winter. But residents and merchants in the tiny Pennsylvania town that Phil put on the map are hoping the coronavirus pandemic does not continue to cast its shadow over the next Groundhog Day.