Groundhog Day is just around the corner and there are some great ways to celebrate Ground Day right here, in Lancaster County! The longstanding traditions and folklore that surround Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pa., have made it one of the nation’s most quirky and family-friendly celebrations. So whether Phil has decided on six more weeks of winter or an early spring, be sure to explore all that Lancaster County has to offer this Groundhog day!
1. Lancaster County Central Park Presents: G is for Groundhog
WHAT: Learn how the groundhog got its very own holiday, look for signs of groundhog holes and make a groundhog craft. Register online or call 717-295-2055 to register and prepay before noon on Friday, February 1. $3.00 per child and $1.00 per adult.
WHEN: Feb 2, 2019 from 10am – 11am
WHERE: Environmental Center, 1 Nature’s Way, Lancaster, PA
2. Watch Punxsutawney Phil LIVE
WHAT: Check out this Punxsutawney Phil “groundhog cam” where you can see for yourself if this famous rodent see’s his shadow this year.
WHEN: Feb 2, 2019 at 7am
WHERE: Click Here to watch
3. Groundhog Day with Mount Joy Minnie
WHAT: Come and meet Minnie, Lancaster County’s first female groundhog, who has an 80% success rate in her weather predictions. Learn more about Minnie here.
WHEN: Feb 2, 2019 at 7am
WHERE: Rotary Clock, E. Main Street & Marietta Ave, Mount Joy
4. Groundhog Day STEM Activities
Don’t let this day go by without learning something! Groundhog day is an excellent time to talk with your kids about weather, shadows, seasons and of course groundhogs! Here are some Groundhog Day STEM activity ideas to get your learning started! Or you could begin by watching this Peep & The Big Wide World: Bringing Spring.
5. Listen to Groundhog Day Carols
Groundhog day is SERIOUS in Pennsylvania…Don’t believe me??? Well, Punxsutawney Phil is such a big deal there are actually carols that have been written and dedicated to him and to celebrating Groundhog Day. Here is a collection of a few written by Jan & John Haigis. Happy listening!
6. Experience the Legend in PERSON
Did you know that Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the “real” Punxsutawny Phil lives, is only about 3.5 hrs away from Lancaster? This town REALLY knows how to celebrate Groundhog Day, and if you feel like making the trip, there are lot’s of places to visit there, including: Gobler’s Knob, The Groundhog Wine Festival, Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, and so much!
7. Learn the History of Groundhog Day
Have you ever wondered how Groundhog Day became a holiday? Here are a few resources on the history of Groundhog Day.
