Groundhog Day 2011

With a Northeast winter that dumped seemingly endless snow, everyone is hoping Punxsutawney Phil or Staten Island Chuck will see his shadow and retreat for 6 more weeks of winter.

Each year on February 2, people wait to hear what happened to the groundhog. Regardless of the accuracy of his report, it offers a ray of hope with frozen snow on the ground. Groundhog Day is celebrated in the United States and Canada.

Folklore surrounds the Groundhog Day celebration. If it is cloudy, the groundhog will come out of his burrow. This is an indication winter will soon be over. However, if it is sunny the groundhog will see his shadow and go back into his burrow. Winter will forge forward for 6 more chilly weeks.

In many areas of the country, Groundhog Day 2011 celebrations are early morning festivals to see the groundhog emerge. The biggest celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a location also made popular by the 1993 film, Groundhog Day. The movie featured the famous Punxsutawney Phil, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.

Groundhog Day has been celebrated in Punxsutawney since 1886. The first official journal to Gobbler's Knob happened on February 2, 1887. According to story, the groundhog was named after King Philip. Before being called Punxsutawney Phil, he was referred to as Br'er Groundhog.

Another famous groundhog is Staten Island Chuck. He is sometimes found taking an opposing position to Punxsutawney Phil. On Groundhog Day 2009, he bit the finger of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Recently Bloomberg laughingly recalled the incident and according to SILive, said, "What I think about groundhogs? Last year, I was civil. I never forget, I never forgive."

Other notable groundhogs who predict the weather include Smith Lake Jake, General Beauregard Lee, Shubenacadie Sam and Wiarton Willie.

With all the snowfall in New York and the Northeast, everyone will love the furry little fellow on Groundhog Day 2011 if he indicates winter is ending soon.