PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA — Pennsylvania’s most famous prognosticator delivered his verdict early Monday, and winter is not done yet.
Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob, spotted his shadow, and predicted six more weeks of winter, keeping a 140-year-old tradition alive before thousands of bundled-up spectators who gathered before dawn for the annual Groundhog Day celebration.
The event once again drew national and international attention to western Pennsylvania, reinforcing Groundhog Day’s status as one of the Commonwealth’s most recognizable cultural traditions and a key driver of winter tourism. Officials said the celebration highlights the broader economic impact of seasonal travel across the state.
Josh Shapiro attended the ceremony for the fourth consecutive year, tying the pageantry at Gobbler’s Knob to Pennsylvania’s broader tourism strategy and a blockbuster calendar ahead in 2026, when the state will host major global and national events ranging from the NFL Draft to the FIFA World Cup.
“Groundhog Day is a time-honored celebration of Pennsylvania’s rich culture and sense of community,” Shapiro said, calling the tradition a global draw and a preview of an event-filled year for the Commonwealth.
State officials said Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $83.9 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting more than 514,000 jobs and welcoming more than 201 million visitors, underscoring why winter events like Groundhog Day remain economically significant.
Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger and Deputy Secretary for Tourism Anne Ryan also attended the ceremony, emphasizing tourism as a year-round economic engine rather than a seasonal business.
According to folklore dating back to 1886, if Phil sees his shadow, winter weather will linger for six more weeks; if not, an early spring is on the way. On Monday morning, the crowd got the colder forecast — and another chapter in one of America’s most enduring traditions.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.