Punxsutawney Phil ready for 125th prognostication

(Harrisburg) — Punxsutawney Phil will make his 125th winter weather prognostication in just a couple weeks.

The world-famous groundhog made an appearance at the Pennsylvania Farm Show last week ahead of his annual February 2 ruling on whether spring will come early.

Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President Bill Deeley says Phil also has activities to keep him busy for the rest of the year.

“We basically say he sleeps, eats and gets his picture taken during those periods,” Deeley says. “He is just more or less getting himself all prepped and ready to go do different events all throughout the year.”

Crowds in the 30,000 range have been measured at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day.

Organizers are bracing for record numbers in the western PA town this year, since the event falls on a Saturday.

Folklore suggests if Phil sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter will be on the way.