Libraries aren't just for books - they're for groundhogs too! Or at least one very famous groundhog.Punxsutawney Phil, the world famous prognosticator, makes his home at Phil's Burrow at Punxsutawney Memorial Library in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. On Saturday, February 2, Phil will make his way from the Burrow to Gobbler's Knob for his 127th prediction of winter's end. But Phil's job is bigger than just a single day's weather forecast; he is the heart of the little town which celebrates him year round.Groundhog Day is the town's claim to fame, and many venture to Punxsutawney for the festivities. The town has paid homage to the lovable rodent by creating, with the help of local and regional artist, 32 Phantastic Phils. Phil even blogs about his adventures (with a little help from past event coordinator Laura Shaffer).
It is believed that Groundhog Day resulted as a variation of Candlemas Day, a milestone of winter. Variations of the story exist in German, English, and Scotch cultures. But it was in 1993 when Phil's fame really took off when Bill Murray starred in the film Groundhog Day.
*Edit - It appears that Phil did not see his shadow on February 2, 2013, which means spring should arrive early!
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