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.”
Phil is a gloomy Gus, sees six more weeks of winter
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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.
Feb 2, 2021
The annual ceremony foretelling the end of winter will be held in Pennsylvania, with no crowds allowed.
It is Groundhog Day in the US – virtually.
The annual ritual held at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, to see if a famous groundhog will emerge from his burrow and portend the end of winter will be held on Tuesday.
But this year, because of Covid-19, Groundhog Day – made famous in the 1993 film of the same name – will be off limits to the public and conducted virtually, with viewers able to watch online thanks to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office.
In an event dating back to 1887, each year on February 2 onlookers have made their way to the hill, near the town of Punxsutawney, north-east of Pittsburgh, to watch for a sign of the end of winter from a groundhog.
Not snow nor pandemic keeps Punxsutawney Phil from seeing his shadow
By Associated PressUpdated February 2, 2021, 7:37 a.m.
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Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume held up Punxsutawney Phil Tuesday morning.Barry Reeger/Associated Press
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) â There will be six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicted as he emerged from his burrow on a snowy Tuesday morning to perform his Groundhog Day duties.
Members of Philâs âinner circleâ woke up the furry critter at 7:25 a.m. at Gobblerâs Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see whether he would see his shadow or not.
Shortly after this yearâs prediction was revealed, one of the members of the inner circle shared a message he said Phil had told him earlier in the day: âAfter winter, youâre looking forward to one of the most beautiful and brightest springs youâve ever seen.â
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