GROUNDHOG DAY!

Walking Towards The Inner Circle

Punxsy Phil is Introduced

Phil Strikes a Pose

Phil Speaks

The Proposal

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there

The road was icy, dark, and very uninviting as I approached Punxsutawney at 0230 hours. The gate at Gobbler’s Knob was open to the Press with a pass; I drove by a large group of revelers who were already lined up waiting for the official opening at 0300. These hardy folks standing in line after making the walk up Gobbler’s Knob from town in below freezing temperatures were there not for the groundhog, but for life, and living it. The area is country and out of town, located on a high hill that overlooks Punxsutawney. It is heavily treed, with the arena divided into two main sections, one for students, and other for adults. This is the outer circle. The inner circle is a small area down by the stage that is for the Gentlemen of the Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle who puts on the event, VIPs, and a smaller area right up against the stage for the Press. This is where I set up shop.

I have been to Punxsutawney after the morning tradition of Phil coming out to do his prediction, but never to the actual all night party and social event. These days alcohol is not permitted on the grounds, which has toned down the wild parties of old, and is now a very suitable event for the whole family. By 0330 hours a couple of thousand people were already in the venue … standing room only … you have to stand until 0725 hours before Phil is brought out. The crowd grew by the minute, and by 0430 hours there were 10,000 people already packed in, a new record for this event. The venue is not that large, so it was filled to the boundaries, not to mention the many who were standing at the huge bonfires keeping warm a short distance from the main area.

One of the pleasant surprises that I discovered, was all of the activities that go on all night long. A team of young women dancers, hand picked from local students, danced all night, and also helped with other smaller events within the main event. A few of the Top Hat wearing inner circle members entertained all night as well, doing game show games such as The Newly Wed Game, where married couples were picked out the crowd. One couple was from the country of Wales, another woman was from Iceland, and other visitors who made the world travels to see Groundhog Day represented so many other countries.

Time passed by while the fun kept me warm. I found the all night outing to be beyond my expectations of just a cold night; it was so much more. Being a part of this small town USA celebration was very refreshing, and a nice break from all the politicking and realities of the below world. This fun time has been going on since February 2,1887 when the first official trek up the hill to Gobbler’s Knob took place; this night was the 122nd Groundhog Day.

Finally, a half an hour before Phil was to appear the lights went out. Then, as usual for Western Pennsylvania, a very nice fireworks display took over in the late night sky. It felt very strange to be at a fireworks show at 0655 hours.

0725 hours, Phil appeared, than talked sublimely to the President of the Groundhog Club—Mr. Cooper--at a whisper level, then came his official forecast:

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Here Ye!

On Gobbler's Knob on this fabulous Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2008
Punxsutawney Phil, the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators,
Rose to the call of President Bill Cooper and greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths.

After casting a weather eye toward thousands of his faithful followers,
Phil consulted with President Cooper and directed him to the appropriate scroll, which proclaimed:

"As I look around me, a bright sky I see, and a shadow beside me.
Six more weeks of winter it will be!"

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Photos:
1. Walking towards the inner circle.
2. Punxsy Phil is brought out of his little stump house and introduced to his believers.
3. Punxsy Phil strikes a pose.
4. Punxsy Phil talks to the reporter’s microphone.
5. A man who by deception in cahoots with the inner circle, brought his girlfriend up on stage, and proposed to her! Three parts: He gets down, he offers the ring--she is shocked, the hug.
6. I shot this image during the fireworks display in the dark. I noticed the flag flapping and the explosives reminded me of our National Anthem,
"And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there."

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania