Groundhog Day In Punxsutawney 2022 PHOTOS
Man, do I love Groundhog Day. I love Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas like the rest of em’, but I’ve got a very special place in my heart for Phil. This…
The big Gobbler’s Knob sign on the stage with Phil’s hut.
Man, do I love Groundhog Day. I love Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas like the rest of em', but I've got a very special place in my heart for Phil.
This year was my second time visiting Punxsutawney for the holiday, and it didn't disappoint. The town goes ALL OUT. It's perfect. They are so well organized, and the event runs as smoothly as any large event I've ever attended. This small town in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (cue Pennsylvania polka here) knows how to throw a party. A big one too. There were an estimated 30,000 people at this year's event, and that's even in 14 degree weather.
It's cold, sure, but the people are nice, and the nonstop entertainment helps you to forget how cold you are. The party starts at 3am up at Gobbler's Knob, with hosts, music, dancers, confetti, and even a fireworks show. It's so much fun. There are lots of events in town leading up to Groundhog Day and afterward too. They have Gobbler's Knob's Got Talent, a Groundhog Ball and Banquet, Lunch with Phil, and we really enjoyed “Groundhog Days in the Park” in Barclay Square and the Community Center.
If you've never visited, I highly suggest you add it to your bucket list. You won't be disappointed. Save the date for February 2nd, 2024 too. BEN FM is planning a bus trip with listeners.
Dress warmly!
Like really warm. Get tickets to the Hospitality Village to warm up inside if possible, but if not, bundle up in many layers. There's a bonfire at Gobbler's Knob too if needed, but it's still pretty tough on your fingers and toes up there. We didn't have any wind or precipitation this year and it was still SO COLD.
Plan time afterward to enjoy the town.
I really enjoyed the Barclay Town Center festivities after the event. It has a number of options for food and drink, and everyone is really happy to be outside in warmer temperatures, still celebrating the hog! This year there were caricature artists, ice sculptures, balloon artists, and a band playing groundhog songs on stage. For food options, there were numerous food trucks, brewery tents, cocktails, winery tents, food trucks, free s'mores, and even free beer from Samuel Adams (one per person with ID). There's usually a movie theater in town showing the movie Groundhog Day all day long.
Phil's Burrow
The best for last. Phil comes out of a burrow at Gobbler's Knob each year on Groundhog Day, but his home (burrow) is right at the town library on the far end of Barclay Town Center. You can enjoy the festivities, listen to music, grab a bite to eat AND visit with Phil and his wife Phyllis. Yep, he's married. I got a great video of the two of them having a snack. They're very cute and the window to their burrow allows lots of people to peer in without really disturbing them. They seem to have a pretty great life there in Punxsutawney.
HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY! Six more weeks of winter or not, Phil is a national treasure and we're lucky to be a (fairly) short drive away. See you in Punxsutawney!
~ Kristen
This way to Punxsutawney!
Groundhog that-ta-way!
Road dots
There are dots in the road to remind drivers to keep a safe distance between cars in case of icy conditions. We're not in Philly anymore Toto!
Different kind of dealership
A different kind of dealership out in groundhog land!
120 Pub and Grill
Dinner spot across from our hotel. Nice locals who gave us some great Punxsutawney recommendations.
Groundhog Plaza
I LOVE how they fully committ on this Groundhog stuff. So fun.
Respect the Hog
We were so busy with the broadcast, but I wish we'd had more time to explore the folks enjoying the celebration and their costumes and 'decorations'.
Phil or BUST!
Phil or BUST!
Groundhog Bus Pass
This little baby cost just $5 and got you unlimited shuttle rides.
Punxsutawney School Bus
Our ride to the festivities! These shuttle busses are the only way to and from the Knob, unless you want to trek the 1.5 miles there from town. They're SUPER efficient and just $5 all day.
Gobblers Knob Entrance
What you see when the bus first pulls up to the knob.
Punxsutawney reporting, just like in the movie.
"A thousand people freezing their butts off, waiting to worship a rat."
Gobbler's Knob Bonfire
There's a bonfire available to help thaw out.
Samuel Adams sign.
The Samuel Adams sign, with the promise of free beer back in town. No alcohol allowed at the Knob.
Souvenir and info shop.
This shop is open at the knob for your last minute top hat needs.
Kettle corn at the Knob.
Some food offerings up at the Knob.
Fireworks Show 2
They put on a great fireworks show in the woods while we waited for Phil's arrival.
Fireworks Show 1
A great fireworks show before Phil came out.
Fireworks 3.
The fireworks were great. We worried about broadcasting radio over them, but it was pretty!
Phil's hut with the Groundettes
Phil's hut on stage at Gobbler's Knob, with the Groundettes in the background. They were super fun and kept the crowd entertained.
Gobbler's Knob Crowd
The Gobbler's Knob Crowd enjoying nonstop entertainment as they wait for Phil's prognostication.
Still dark out, and the crowd is building.
Still dark out, and the crowd is building. A party beginning at 3am!
Groundhog Broadcast
I brought a few costume items from my own personal Groundhog Day collection over the years.
Porto-potty Lineup
Plenty of Porto-potties for your potty needs.
Glad with the hat.
This guy's nickname was Glad. He hates people from Philly, but loves Groundhog Day!
Glad hat.
Glad has been to Groundhog Day every year since 1999. He only missed when they didn't have it. During the pandemic the celebration went virtual.
Glad with the hat and Kristen..
Glad and Kristen. Not a fan of Philly people, but he was nice anyway.
Kristen and Mike
Kristen from the BEN morning show and Mike V from the Engineering Department. (Mike is a gem of a person and agreed to come along for this adventure and even braved the 14 degree weather with a smile.)
Gobbler's Knob Sign
The big Gobbler's Knob sign on the stage with Phil's hut.
Burrow photo.
Obligatory Phil burrow photo.
Fun signs.
Some fun signs. Think spring! (Didn't work.)
Phil's door.
Gotta knock on Phil's door while you're there.
Phil returns home after prognosticating.
Kriste Herrmann for BBGIPhil on his way from the Knob back to his burrow.
Groundhog Sculpture
This little guy greets you at the town square.
Inner Circle
Just me mingling with the inner circle. NBD.
Watermelon Groundhog
They even make watermelon groundhogs!
Groundhog Map
Folks come from all over for Phil's prognostication.
Cookie Sign 1
If you don't like his prediction...
Cookie Sign 2
You can eat him!
Main Groundhog
This is the groundhog sculpture directly outside of Phil's burrow. These are all over town at banks, schools, businesses, everywhere.
Punxsutawney Phil is a dad. Here's Phil's Burrow where the family lives year round.
This is Phil's burrow, which is located in the town library. He shares it with his wife Phyllis. You can watch both through a large glass window.
The Legend
The legend of Phil on Groundhog Day.
Phil. The dude.
Kristen Herrmann for BBGIThe legend. Phil has a snack in his burrow.
Samuel Adams Official beer of Groundhog Day
Samuel Adams Official beer of Groundhog Day. Everyone got a free beer! 6 more weeks of winter or not.
Samuel Adams Truck
Where all the free groundhog beer is stored.
Balloon Animals
There was a balloon animal guy. He made me a brown dog, that we called a groundhog.
Balloon Sculpting
Every color!
Free caricatures.
Would have liked to stay for the free caricatures. They should make everyone look like a groundhog version of themselves.
Ice Groundhog Photo
This is one of his ice sculptures. An ice groundhog selfie station.
Wood Groundhog
This wood groundhog sculpture is next to the ice sculpture guy. Last time I was here they did chainsaw wood carvings too.
Ice Sculptures
Watching the master at work.
Photo opportunities.
Lots of chances to take your photo with various groundhogs.
Free smores!
There were firepits to keep warm, and free s'mores to enjoy!
Wendy's Groundhog
Even Wendy's has Groundhog fever.
Food and beverage offerings 1.
Teas and things.
Food and beverage offerings 2.
Hot sausage.
Food and beverage offerings 3.
Kettle corn! They had this up at the knob too.
Food and beverage offerings 4.
Barbecue.
Food and beverage offerings 5.
Hot dogs and such.
Food and beverage offerings 6.
Fudge! All flavors.
Food and beverage offerings 7.
A Punxsutawney brewery!
Cocktails
No booze allowed at the knob, but plenty offered back in town.
Cocktail Offerings
Dranks.
Punxsutawney Brewing
More groundhog beer!
