Six More Weeks of Winter

So there we were in Punxsutawney, Pa. Lincoln, Ali, Trent and I drove into the small town at about 9:30 pm after driving through fog, snow, and meeting a nice state trooper that gave us directions. We were very lucky to be able to "take refuge" in an LDS chapel that is only 1/4 mile from Gobbler's Knob - the home of Punxsutawney Phil. We got to the church and met a few other single LDS people that came from Ohio. As the night continued, there ended up being about forty people "taking refuge" at the chapel. We went to the Walmart and bought provisions for the morning: bagels, hand and foot warmers, and self-heating hot chocolate.....yes it heats itself, simply amazing technology! We went back to the church and the group watched the movie Groundhog Day until 2 am. That was not such a great idea since we had to get up at 5:00 am.

The morning came too soon. The church house was a flutter of excitement (as much as people can muster at 5:00 am.) I was the last person to get out of bed. However, as soon as I was up, I had an amazing amount of energy and was ready for the day's festivities. We walked down to Gobbler's Knob. There were people everywhere...some came by foot but most were being brought in by bus loads. Music was playing loudly, people were dancing, there were fireworks, and giant balls were being hit around the crowd. This must be the best party in the USA that takes place from 3-7 in the morning!!! We ran into a few people dressed as groundhogs and so we had to take a picture with each of them.

Yes, there was a hummer there to protect Phil.


Huddled together for warmth * Our self-heating hot chocolate took thirty minutes to heat up....a bit of a disapointment

Time had come for the big event. The men from the Inner Circle (which you get called to and only get released if you die or move) made their annual trek to the platform in their tuxedos and top hats. The crowd chanted "We want Phil, we want Phil." They introduced Phil and the crowd roared. After Phil spoke with the Inner Circle (who speak groundhogeis) they announced that there would be six more weeks of winter. The crowds boo was deafening but the it could not change Phil's prediction.

After the main event, we drove into town and walked around the exhibits and took a few pictures with statues of Phil. We helped paint in a picture of Phil and I sent a postcard to my parents. We also checked out an ice sculpture. I pretended to stick my tongue to it and I overheard a mother tell her child "Don't try that."

It was such a great trip!!!




Pubic Service Announcement # 82: If you want to go next year, here is some information: http://www.ehow.com/how_2020236_celebrate-groundhog-day.html