Strike Up the Music!
It's that time of year! Groundhog Day! If you are a fan or follower of our blog then you know why Groundhog Day is special to us.
- We live in Pennsylvania with the Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil
- We visit Coolspring Power Museum which is 10 minutes from Punxsutawney at least two times a year.
- With Flo and friends from Say Hello to My Little Friends blog we have searched and photographed all the Phil statues in Punxsutawney.
- Nana Kestrel and the grandmother of the blogger who inspired us to blog are familiar with Grundsau Lodge - it's a Pennsylvania Dutch thing.
The Band Has Begun the Pennsylvania Polka
Ever since we found the Gobbler's Knob festivities broadcast on PCN we have tuned in. The one year they couldn't actually have the event in-person but put together a really fun compilation of all the past events. It was so much fun we've tuned in ever since.
Well not always all of us. This year Grace and Kaya joined me in watching. The TV coverage starts at 6 AM.
We tuned in a little late. Seems they were having some trouble with their backing tracks early on and sang a cappella.
The crowd was still really big despite the negative temperatures.
Miss Pennsylvania was there and the band Juvenile Characteristics. They have dancers called the Punxettes. (giggles) I would love one of their sweatshirts.
They kept talking about waking up Phil, but on top of all the music and dancing they had fireworks just before dawn! I think that not only woke him but made him a bit nervous. Took a bit to dig him out of the hay again this year. Of course, it was so cold, I don't blame him. (laughs)
Soon it was time. By the way, the sunrises 10 minutes later in Punxsutawney than Pennsburg!
The president knocked on the door with the staff that has been around for many generations (maybe even the full 139 years) then the handler opened the door...
And brought out Phil.
Phil chatted with the President and picked the scroll. The Vice President read the scroll.
Which reminded me of a sorting hat speech. Starting the US Semiquincentennial by seeing his shadow...6 more weeks of winter.
Then they did something different. Because it was so cold they changed the regular "pose with Phil" photo op to a selfie op. People filed up to the front of the stage not up to the stump and took a quick snap with Phil and the Handler.
I was happy to be home, on the couch, under a cozy blanket with a few of our furry family members.
Happy Groundhog Day to you! Stay warm!
Oh, and if you have access to the amc channel they have the movie Groundhog Day on repeat. 😉😁
