30 Years of Groundhog Day: 30th Anniversary
30 Years of Groundhog Day:
30th Anniversary of the movie that highlights February 2nd, Groundhog Day, is an event celebrated on in the United States and Canada.
Punxsutawney Phil is the central figure and groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) from Gobbler’s Knob, near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
- 1. Groundhog Day Prognostication: The central activity of Groundhog Day is the prognostication made by Punxsutawney Phil to predict the arrival of spring.
- 2. Thousands of people attend the Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney to watch Phil emerge from his burrow and make his prediction.
- 3. If Phil emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it is believed that winter will last for six more weeks. If Phil does not see its shadow, it is believed that spring will come early.
- 4. The holiday has been popularized by the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray which has become an integral part of the holiday’s celebration.
- 5. Festivities and Parades: Groundhog Day is also celebrated with festivities, parades, and parties in Punxsutawney. Many restaurants and bars offer special menus and drinks, such as “Groundhog Punch” or a “Shadow martini”.
Groundhog Day at 30
30 Year Anniversary of the film, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray, highlighting the February 2 Groundhog Day Celebration at Gobbler’s Knob Grounds, PA.
From the Hollywood Reporter: Cinematographer John Bailey credits director, Harold Ramis, who died in 2014, for the films unique balance of heart and laughs. “The script is really wonderful, but Harold Ramis’ soul is guiding the film all the way through.”
Groundhog Day was considered a box-office success on its release, and was one of the highest-grossing films of 1993 with generally positive reviews. Groundhog Day is a Legacy Worthy Movie with lots of laughs. In 2006, the United States Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Special 30th Anniversary Groundhog Day Celebrations in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Source PAwilds Punxsutawney and Groundhog Day
Visit Website Groundhog.org
Groundhog Day!
The famous, weather-predicting groundhog in the world is Punxsutawney Phil! During the winter, brave the elements and make your way up to Gobbler’s Knob for Punxsutawney Phil’s annual – and always 100% right, do not question him – prognostication. If you can’t make it there for February 2 exactly, a visit to Phil’s Burrow, Gobblers Knob, and the Punxsutawney Weather Discover Center will do the trick. (Photos courtesy of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Inc.)
Join the festive crowds on February 2 for Groundhog Day to see Phil’s prediction! Will there be six more weeks of winter or is spring on the way? Groundhog Day is an all night celebration unlike any other.
Visit the official Punxsutawney Groundhog Club website at www.groundhog.org to get more details about the celebration.
Famous Phil
Can a Groundhog really predict the weather?
Punxsutawney Phil’s fans sure believe it! Thousands of enthusiasts flock from all over the world each year for this festive, high energy event. (Photos courtesy of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Inc.)
Details for Groundhog Day 2023 celebrations
Although the Groundhog Day event itself is free, remember to book your hotel reservations early and check for any additional events you want to attend. In 2023, there will be a Punxsutawney Area Community Foundation Dance ($15), Lunch with Phil ($15) and the Groundhog Ball ($35). Check the Groundhog.org website to buy tickets and check the schedule.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.groundhog.org and at The Gobbler’s Knob Visitors Center.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023:
Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent – 1 to 3 p.m. February 1 at the Community Center
This is an open judged talent show, where those entering perform and two finalists will be chosen to perform at Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day morning to be voted on at the Celebration. The winner will be awarded $500.00. (This event is free to the public, no ticket is needed) To be a talent show participant, you will find a form online to fill out and directions on where to email.)
Groundhog Club Members Only Reception – 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. February 1 at the Eagles, in Punxsutawney on the second floor. No ticket needed, but you must be a current member of The Groundhog Club.
This is a fun time to interact with other “Phil Phans” from around the world that are also Members of the Groundhog Club. The Seer of Seers will make an appearance at this event, for a photo opportunity! You must be a current member of the Groundhog Club to attend this event. You must call 814-618-5591 or email admin@groundhog.org to ask to be added to the list of attendees. (To become a member of the Groundhog Club, you can sign up on the website at www.groundhog.org )
Annual Groundhog Banquet – Doors open 5:30 p.m. February 1, banquet begins 6 p.m. at the Punxsutawney Area High School Cafeteria
For decades The Banquet has been a favorite for locals and for our Phil Phans traveling from out of town. This event features a catered dinner, guest speakers, Man and Woman of the Year announcement, a gift, and so much more. Ticket is needed for this event. $40 per ticket.
Dueling Pianos – Doors open at 8:30 p.m. February 1. Event begins at9 p.m. and lasts until midnight at the ATA Building, second floor.
Groundhog Eve is topped off with this high energy event. This lively musical show, with interactive performances is an event to attend. Must be 21 or older to attend. Alcoholic beverages are served at this event as well as other beverages are available. Ticket is needed for this event. $25 per ticket.
Thursday, February 2, 2023:
Groundhog Day Celebration – Gobbler’s Knob Grounds will open at 3 a.m. February 2
Groundhog Day Celebration is free of charge. To get to the Grounds on Groundhog Day, refer to Getting to The Knob.
Bus Pass: Shuttles will be available starting at 3 a.m. $5 per bus pass.
A Handicapped accessible Bus will be available for shuttling also from shuttle locations. $5.00 per bus pass
Gobbler’s Knob Parking Pass (limited amount) $60
Gobbler’s Knob Handicapped Parking Pass (limited amount) must call 814-618-5591 to purchase. $60.
VIP/Inner Circle Pass (limited amount) $25 SOLD OUT!
Hogspitality Village – 4 to 10 a.m. February 1 at the Gobbler’s Knob Visitors Center Pavilion
Another sellout event that starts at 4 a.m. on Groundhog Day morning. This is a limited entry ticketed event into the heated pavilion on the grounds of Gobbler’s Knob. This event features a warm space to relax, have food, coffee, live feed of the Knob, firepit, and access to the restrooms in the building. You will receive an exclusive souvenir, at the event with each ticket purchase. You will have a chance to have a photo with Phil after the Groundhog Day Ceremonies in the Pavilion with your ticket. Must have a ticket to enter. Tickets are $60 per ticket.
Friday, February 3, 2023:
The Groundhog Ball – 7 to 11 p.m. February 3 at the Punxsutawney Country Club
The traditional formal attire event, the Groundhog Ball, will feature a live band, alcoholic beverages, food, and a great opportunity to engage with the Inner Circle and out of town Phil Phans. This year’s Ball Theme is: “Winter Wonderland”. This event is always a sellout! Must be 21 or older to attend. Must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are $35 per ticket.
Saturday, February 4, 2023:
Lunch with Phil – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. February 4 at Gobbler’s Knob Visitors Center Hall
Check out what is happening at Gobbler’s Knob and be served by the Inner Circle and Phillettes. Phil will be making an appearance to get those great photo opportunities. Ticket is needed for admission. $15 per ticket.
Getting to Gobbler’s Knob:
There are three ways to make your trek to Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day morning.
1. Purchase a parking pass and drive up to the grounds with your permit.
2. Purchase a bus pass prior to the morning of, or that morning of at the shuttle locations, and ride the shuttle to the Grounds.
3. Park in town and walk the approximately 2-mile trek to the Knob.
Parking Passes:
There are a very limited number of vehicle parking passes at Gobbler’s Knob for regular sized vehicles. These parking passes can be purchased online and in the Visitors Center the day of Ticket Event release. (Please call to discuss a vehicle larger than a regular sized vehicle)
VIP Passes: SOLD OUT!
All areas in the Natural amphitheaters are standing room only.
Souvenirs:
The Souvenir Shop will be open during the morning of Groundhog Day Celebration, 3am-?
Around town:
The town of Punxsutawney is fun and festive throughout the days of Groundhog Day. You will find additional entertainment everywhere you look and turn.
“Groundhog Days in the Park” in Barclay Square and the Community Center, will be some of the places to be when not at Gobbler’s Knob, on February 1 and 2.
The Punxsutawney Community Foundation Dance – February 1 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Eagles in Punxsutawney. Don’t miss out on a fun time the night before Groundhog Day at the Punxsutawney Community Foundation, Inc. is hosted annual dance on Feb 1. Tickets will be available on www.groundhog.org and in Gobbler’s Knob Visitors Center.
