Groundhog Day's history: How Punxsutawney Phil became an international, weather-predicting celebrity
- Thread starter Meanderer
- Start date
"Groundhog Day" Boogie "Groundhog's Day"
"Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a time when most of the world's great minds gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to make weather predictions of major importance. The oldest and wisest brain in the meeting is of course a groundhog named Phil. Punxsutawney Phil. His predictions are always correct as far as we know. If he comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, he runs back inside for six more weeks of Winter. If it is cloudy and he does not see his shadow, then warm balmy weather will be had by all. Bill Murray starred in a movie called Groundhog Day. The movie is fictional, but of course, Punxsutawney Phil is real and very credible".
"Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a time when most of the world's great minds gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to make weather predictions of major importance. The oldest and wisest brain in the meeting is of course a groundhog named Phil. Punxsutawney Phil. His predictions are always correct as far as we know. If he comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, he runs back inside for six more weeks of Winter. If it is cloudy and he does not see his shadow, then warm balmy weather will be had by all. Bill Murray starred in a movie called Groundhog Day. The movie is fictional, but of course, Punxsutawney Phil is real and very credible".
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Marie5656
SF VIP
- Location
- Batavia, NY
Aunt Bea
SF VIP
- Location
- Near Mount Pilot
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
Love these....
Smiling Jane
Senior Member
- Location
- Albuquerque NM
My ex-husband's grandmother, a very dear lady, lived in Punxsutawney across the street from where Phil checks his shadow every year. It was interesting to watch it become a bigger deal year after year.
As for Phil not being a meteorologist, I trust him more than them. I lived in the country next to an old man who taught my son earth signs for predicting weather. I never knew them to be inaccurate, but I remember watching the TV weather report one night where the meteorologist was saying 40% chance of precip when the rain was coming down like billy be damned outside his studio.
As for Phil not being a meteorologist, I trust him more than them. I lived in the country next to an old man who taught my son earth signs for predicting weather. I never knew them to be inaccurate, but I remember watching the TV weather report one night where the meteorologist was saying 40% chance of precip when the rain was coming down like billy be damned outside his studio.
Butterfly
SF VIP
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
I was reading something online where it said they "coax" Phil out of his burrow to see if he sees his shadow. How do they get him to come out of there? How do you "coax" a groundhog?
retiredtraveler
Senior Member
I live in Woodstock, where "Groundhog Day" was filmed. It's a big deal around here and attracts people from all over the Chicago area.
CeeCee
Well-known Member
- Location
- Monterey Peninsula California
Ive been in Woodstock many times. Jury duty once. Ive lived in a few towns in McHenry County. Late 70's to the early 90's.
Smiling Jane
Senior Member
- Location
- Albuquerque NM
I'm sure they're none too gentle. I wouldn't want to "coax" a groundhog to do anything. Have you seen those teeth and claws? No thanks.
retiredtraveler
Senior Member
It's changed a great deal. Built up, as all the Chicago 'burbs have. Still nicer (imho) than other 'burbs. There are still farms out here and open lands. A lot of active volunteer groups too. Come on back --- the square with the courthouse and opera house is still there. The filming of 'Groundhog Day' destroyed the landscaping on the square. But when filming was done, the production company gave more than enough money to replant everything and make improvements.
