#groundhog-day

#groundhog-day

Since at least 1886, a groundhog now named Punxsutawney Phil has emerged from his burrow every Groundhog Day to predict when winter weather will end. Other groundhogs (Marmota monax) around the country have joined him in this climatological soothsaying. Folklore, likely stemming from Celtic mid-season festivals, dictates that if Phil sees his shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks, whereas if he doesn't, spring will come early. (Many people around the country are probably hoping that shadow doesn't appear after recent winter weather.)

Hundreds of hipsters in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, are gearing up to watch a rented groundhog whisper in the ear of ex-mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa in McCarren Park on Saturday to see whether they'll be getting six more weeks of winter. The loopy local twist ahead of Feb. 2, Groundhog Day's official date, is the brainchild of 26-year-old event organizer Riley Callanan - who shelled out $2,250 to rent the varmint from an animal rental service.

"With a less talented and charismatic star, a production could fall flat, but that's not the case here. Travis Bilenski proved to be equally impressive as Phil."