5 Interesting Facts About Groundhog Day

The first Groundhog Day celebration on Gobbler’s Knob was held on February 2, 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Each February 2, a groundhog, whose official name is Punxsutawney Phil, “Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinaire,” emerges from a burrow to predict an early spring or an extended winter. A group of men known as The Inner Circle, who arrive at the celebration wearing top hats and tuxedo, protect the legend of Punxsutawney Phil and carry on the celebration.

The average lifespan of a groundhog is five to six years. Phil is reported to be 122 years old. His longevity is attributed to an elixir that he takes a sip of in September. Legend has it that the Magic Elixir of Life extends his life by seven years. The elixir only works for Phil, not his caretakers or other humans.

According to the National Climate Data Center, Phil has been correct with his predictions 39% of the time. Groundhog Day organizers differ and believe that his accuracy rate exceeds 75%. Regardless of which statistical information is correct, the celebration continues each year. This is a time for locals, and for the many who travel to Pennsylvania for the event, to enjoy Groundhog Day activities such as music, games, ice carving, sleigh rides, a Prognosticators Ball and numerous other fun activities associated with this special day.

Emerging from a burrow in February is not something that is unique to Phil. While Phil’s emergence may be in the spotlight, other male groundhogs emerge from their burrow to search for a mate. They return to their burrows and remain there until they exit for an extended period of time in March.

Phil’s celebrity status extends beyond Gobbler’s Knob. In 1986 he traveled to Washington, DC to meet with President Reagan. In 1995 he appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. In 1995 he appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show.