The Globe

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Lindsay Dill Punxsutawney offered many retail stands to celebrate Groundhog Day.

Punxsutawney Phil, or "Punxsy Phil," made his annual season prediction on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The treasured groundhog of Gobbler's Knob, Pa., brought disappointment to those anxiously awaiting spring this year when he predicted that there be will be six more weeks of winter weather.

This large crowd, estimated at 12,000, came from various cities and countries and gathered in Punxsutawney on Tuesday morning in the 18-degree chill to witness the prediction.

The prophecy was not welcomed with cheers and happiness, but with "boos" and jeers from the crowd.

His prediction, translated by the "groundhog-ese" speaker, Bill Deely, the president of the Punxsutawney Inner Circle Organizers, was given around 7:30 a.m. following dancing, festivities, fireworks and a speech by Stephen Tobolowsky, also known as "Ned" from the movie "Groundhog Day."

According to groundhog.org, 99 of the 114 times Phil has predicted the weather's outcome, he has seen his shadow; and the remaining 15 times, Phil did not see his shadow and, therefore, predicted an early spring.

However, CNN.com notes that Phil is only correct about 39 percent of the time, so there is still hope for those holding out for warmer temperatures.

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