Dover Doug, York's Poor Richard and Punxsutawney Phil give their prognostications
Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania, and local groundhogs emerged Friday morning to predict whether there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring.
If groundhogs see their shadow, it means six more weeks of winter weather, according to popular lore. No shadow means an early spring.
The official first day of spring is March 19.
Here's what they had to say:
Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring
The most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania didn't see his shadow early Friday morning.
"An early spring is on the way!" the announcer read as the crowd cheered.
It marks the 21st time in the 138-year-old tradition that he has predicted an early spring, a news release states.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family attended the event.
Revelers danced to music, including "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, during the early morning event.
Poor Richard of York County also calls for an early spring
Poor Richard of York agreed with Punxsutawney Phil, calling for an early spring, said George “Skip” Lehmann of the York Slumbering Groundhog Lodge.
Here is Poor Richard's prognostication:
"Poor Richard is ready to make a long shot prediction,
many will believe that it is totally fiction.
Winter will end, how soon he cannot tell, but you can bet that Poor Richard does not want to experience another cold spell.
The leaves may still be on the ground, there’s a chill in the air,
The snow lovers alas are all upset because there is no snow anywhere.
The birds are beginning to chirp out of their little nests ,
and the Squirrels and chipmunks are still behaving like little pests.
The sky may seem bright and sunny all day,
Therefore, our fury little critter will come out to play.
So sit back and wait for the March 21st date, to see if Poor Richard will make us all wait.
You see my dear citizens, Poor Richard knows,
that the February months can bring horrendous snow.
Therefore, he says with an unusual cry,
I’m going back into my burrow where I will give a big sigh.
The weather for now will not change very much,
for spring will be early, with a warm sunny touch.
Early Spring for All!!"
The York Slumbering Groundhog Lodge is reportedly the third oldest in the state.
Dover Doug pretends to shovel snow before prognostication
Dover Doug, the costumed mascot, predicted six more weeks of winter.
He even pretended to shovel snow during the event.
The crowd groaned at the prognostication.
A video of the event can be watched on Dover Township's Facebook page.
Susquehanna Sherman of York County agrees with Phil
The stuffed rodent from northern York County predicted an early spring, too, said Ralph Eisenhart of the Susquehanna Sherman Groundhog Club in northern York County.
Susquehanna Sherman released the following statement:
"Upon my inspection of the surrounding area, my glorious shadow I did not see, it does appear that my friend Phil and I agree. An early spring there will be."
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Poor Richard, Dover Doug, Susquehanna Sherman offer local predictions
