NY: MICHAEL BLOOMBERG GROUNDHOG DAY
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — It’s Groundhog Day and people are waiting to learn whether a furry critter in a western Pennsylvania town will predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter.
People will gather Thursday at Gobbler’s Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner circle” summon him from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he has seen his shadow.
According to folklore, if he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring comes early. The annual event in Punxsutawney originated from a German legend about a furry rodent.
Officials are hoping the usual crowd of between 10,000 to 15,000 visitors comes out for the event.
On Staten Island, Staten Island Chick will make his prediction at 7:30 am.
The livestream will begin at 7 am on the Staten Island Zoo’s Facebook Page.
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