Best Activities to Enjoy on Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is a lighthearted celebration but also a reminder of our relationship with the seasons. It began with ancient Celtic and European Candlemas traditions. In Germany, a hedgehog was traditionally used to predict the arrival of spring. When German immigrants came to the U.S., they brought this custom with them and replaced the hedgehog with the native groundhog.
Groundhog Day has become a huge cultural event in the U.S., and what makes it so much fun is its playful simplicity. The prediction doesn’t really matter, and the fun comes from participating in a tradition that brings laughter and hope at a chilly time of the year.
Visit the most famous groundhog
In Pennsylvania, forecasting the weather is often more challenging than predicting the odds in an online casino, given how quickly conditions can change. You may just have to rely on Punxsutawney Phil, a famous groundhog who lives in the state.
On Groundhog Day, you may decide to join thousands of others and pay a visit to Punxsutawney to hear Phil’s prediction. Every year, he makes an appearance at Gobbler’s Knob. If Phil sees his shadow, you’re in for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring could come early. Predictions are that he won’t see his shadow this year. Groundhog Club members in top hats and tuxedos make the official announcement.
Many community events take place, such as a Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent competition. There’s an annual Groundhog Banquet and an Inner Circle’s Groundhog Ball. You can also have lunch with Phil and relax in style at Hogspitality Village.
Host a Groundhog Day watch party
Groundhog Day is the perfect time to gather family and friends at your home and watch the prediction live from Punxsutawney. It’s a quirky and entertaining spectacle that never fails to amuse.
This is not the time to eat healthy food, but to serve playful snacks such as cookies shaped like groundhogs and chocolate cupcakes decorated with groundhog faces made of candies and marshmallow ears. It doesn’t all have to be sweet, and you can even serve Groundhog Day hot dogs. You can make them peek out of their ‘burrows’ of mashed potatoes or cornbread muffins.
Enjoy some shadow play
Outdoor adventure lovers may enjoy some shadow play activities on Groundhog Day. Take kids outdoors to see if they can see their own shadows. Shadow tag is a classic game where you chase one another and try to step on other people’s shadows. A fun activity for children is to use their hands and bodies to make shadow shapes.
Make a ‘rest of winter’ bucket list
Groundhog Day helps you to recognize that you only have half of winter left. You can make it a time where you get to enjoy all your favorite winter activities. You don’t want to have any regrets about what you haven’t done when the nights start to grow shorter and the days are longer. If one of your favorite things is to see the stars on a cold winter evening, make sure you get out there and take a look. If you have a favorite outdoor ice rink, ensure to skate there before winter is over.
Attend Groundhog Day events
Check whether you can find any local events or celebrations happening in your area. Many of the towns hold gatherings and parades on the day. For example, in Woodstock, Illinois, there are many popular events where Woodstock Willie delights the crowds. The iconic movie featuring Bill Murray was filmed in Woodstock, and rewatching it is another popular pastime on the day.
