Good news for those who can’t wait for spring.
The most famous groundhog in the world, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, meaning an early spring.
It’s only the 21st time in the 138-year-old tradition that Phil has not seen his shadow.
“Glad tidings on this Groundhog Day, an early spring is on the way,” Phil’s handler translated to the large crowd in Punxsutawney at Gobbler’s Knob.
The annual tradition goes back to 1887 when a group of hunters called “The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club” said that Phil was the “one-and-only weather prognosticating groundhog.”
According to Pennsylvania Department of Tourism, over 30,000 people celebrate the prognostication with millions tuning into the livestream.
Groundhog Day has become a big source of income for local businesses in Punxsutawney and Pennsylvania.
“Well, that wraps up the best holiday of the year, Groundhog Day! On February 2, we had one of the largest crowds in Groundhog Day history. Our fellow trekkers enjoyed the stage show, fireworks, and seeing Phil’s prognostication,” said Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President Thomas A. Dunkel. “Whether an early spring or six more weeks of winter, everyone had a great time. Punxsutawney hosts the only worldwide holiday with one destination. If you missed it, come to Gobbler’s Knob, have a great time and check it off your bucket list.”