GROUNDHOG DAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

GOIN’ TO THE KNOB

If your plans include being among the many who await Phil’s “shadowy” prognostication in person, you ought to do a bit of homework. Advance planning is essential for ensuring an enjoyable morning on Gobbler’s Knob, so here is our “Groundhog Day Survival Guide,” containing a few helpful tips!

Festivities begin in the early morning hours. The morning’s events include live entertainment, music, fireworks, and fun with the Groundhog Club Inner Circle prior to Phil’s emergence from his stump at approximately 7:25 a.m. The Knob is located at 1548 Woodland Avenue Extension.

The party at the Knob, however, starts at 3 a.m. Plan to be there early! Admission to the Knob is FREE.

Trekking To The Knob

The walk along Woodland Avenue is approximately 1.5 miles. The jaunt is uphill and strenuous, especially in inclement weather. Many, however, have found that trekking to the Knob – weather permitting, of course – a great way to avoid the wait for the buses.

Taking The Bus To The Knob

Although visitors can walk to Gobbler’s Knob, they can also choose to take a “Knob bus.” Buses to Gobbler’s Knob start at 3 a.m. These bus stops are located at Punxsutawney Aldi, Punxsutawney Walmart, and Barclay Square Park. Visitors will be returned to these lots after the ceremony as well. The cost is $5.00 per person.

Bus passes are available online at shop.groundhog.org.

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

One-way traffic to Gobbler’s Knob starts at 3 a.m., beginning near Walmart. The one-way route, however, will not take you to Gobbler’s Knob – you cannot drive to the Knob! Traffic will be redirected back to town unless you have a handicapped placards.

Handicapped Access

There are a limited number of handicapped parking passes available. For a pass contact the GHC. Additional parking is available at the Punxsy Plaza parking lot. A handicapped accessible bus available for transportation. It will run the same route and times as the Knob Bus. GHC Contact information: director@ghogclub.com or 814-6185591.

There is a platform available at the Knob for handicap use.

BUNDLE UP!

Ensure that you enjoy your greatly anticipated visit to Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day by properly dressing for inclement weather.

Know the local weather forecast before getting Phil’s forecast. Wear boots – rub- ber boots if you have them. The Knob can get icy, muddy, and slick. Also, a warm hat and toasty mittens are a must. Hand warmers are a plus!

It is recommended that small children are not brought to the Knob. Also, the event at the Knob is a standing-room-only event – there is no room for chairs.

A large bonfire will burn continually at the Knob.

No Backpacks Or Bags

Security is tight at Gobbler’s Knob. Leave your backpacks, bags, and so on at home. No alcohol or weapons of any kind are permitted. Pennsylvania State Troopers will be present, searching bags and providing security.

After The Prognostication

After Phil makes his prognostication, it’s time to board buses for the ride downtown or to the respective parking areas. Be patient! Thousands of people will want to board the buses. Visit with Phil and Groundhog Club Inner Circle members before joining the crowd boarding the buses.

If weather permits, walking downtown via Woodland Avenue after the ceremony can be fun and stimulating.

After the prognostication, the buses from the Knob will transport visitors back downtown. You can choose to get off the bus downtown to eat, to visit events, or to return to your car.

If you stay downtown to eat or visit, shuttle buses will be available, running in a loop every fifteen minutes or so from Aldi, Walmart and Barclay Square.

BREAKFAST, SOUVENIRS, AND FESTIVITIES

For many, warming up over breakfast at one of the many Punxsutawney restaurants, clubs or social halls is first on the agenda following Phil’s prognostication. After enjoying breakfast, a visit to local souvenir shops and shows is a must for those wishing to purchase a piece of Philrelated memorabilia.

Festivities will be held in Punxsutawney, from Saturday, January 28, throughSaturday, February 5. Please check the schedule of events in this special issue for all the events and find the most current information about Punxsutawney and Groundhog Day on the Groundhog Club’s website at www.groundhog.org and the Punxsutawney Area Chamber or Commerce wensite at www.punxsutawney.com.

BARCLAY SQUARE - Located in the heart of Punxsutawney, this beautifully preserved historic town square was named for the founding father of the town, Reverend David Barclay, who donated the land for public use in 1822. The stone Memorial Bandstand in the center of the park was dedicated in 1932 as a memorial to veterans.

PHIL’S BURROW – Visit Punxsutawney Phil and family in their natural habitat, located off Barclay Square at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. Punxsutawney Phil can be seen from outside or from inside the Library.

GOBBLER'S KNOB AND THE GROUNDHOG CLUB VISITOR CENTER –

Located at 1548 Woodland Ave. Visit the site of Phil's world-famous weather forecast. Gobbler's Knob is visited on February 2 by thousands of people from all around the world. If it's a nice day, why not make the pleasant mile-and-a-half trek to Gobbler's Knob on foot. Start at Barclay Square and follow Mahoning Street to Woodland Avenue to Sportsman's Park, the site of Gobbler's Knob. See historical and rare Groundhog Club and Punxsutawney Phil items on display at the Visitor Center.

PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY –

Explore Punxsutawney history, research the genealogy of area families, and browse through the gift shop at the museum located at 401 West Mahoning Street, just a couple blocks from downtown. 814-938-2555

THE COAL MEMORIAL – 404 West Mahoning Street honors those who worked in the Coal Industry in the Punxsutawney area. Open dawn to dusk.

PUNXSUTAWNEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY –

The library is located at the Civic Complex on East Mahoning Street. Features include a Children's Library with visual access to Punxsutawney Phil. 814-938-5020

PATSY'S PARK – Located near downtown on Church Street.

THE JOSH SMITH MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND located in the BARLETTA SKATE PARK on Elk Street in Punxsutawney.

PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER & JACKSON THEATER – This facility offers activities forall ages, children through adults, including an open Walk Track, the Community Fitness Center, ongoing fitness and education classes, and organized recreational activities. The Jackson Theater features movies Friday through Sunday, located one block from Mahoning Street on North Jefferson Street. 814-938-1008

MAHONING SHADOW TRAIL – The trail can be accessed near the Rich Kuntz Teener League Fields located along Route 119 south at the entrance to Punxsutawney. Maps of the trail are available at the Chamber of Commerce office.

PHANTASTIC PHIL’S PUBLIC ART –

Imaginatively decorated, larger-than-life Punxsutawney Phils can be found on nearly every street corner throughout the town. Pick up a map to each of the sculptures at the Chamber of Commerce office or see the locations online at www.punxsutawney.com/phantasticphils.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – is located at 102 West Mahoning Street and can be reached by telephone at (814) 9387700, Ext. 2, or by e-mail at chamber@punxsutawney.com. For more information about the Chamber, please visit its website at www.punxsutawney.com.

WEATHER DISCOVERY CENTER – “Become” a tornado! “Make” a thunderstorm! Be a TV meteorologist, explore Punxsutawney Phil’s burrow, experience the Weather Emergency Shelter, and much, much more at the Weather Discovery Center! The Center is located in a 103year-old former post office building, where you can enjoy interactive exhibits, weather features in the theater, activities in the classroom, and a gift shop full of souvenirs and weather-related toys and gifts! weatherdiscovery.org –is located at 201 North Findley Street.

TALLEST GROUNDHOG –

Come take a photo and view the 28-foot-tall wooden Groundhog Statue at Joe’s Drive In, located at the bottom of Indiana Hill, 308 Indiana St.

Punx’y, turn left

The Original Punxsutawney Spicy Groundhog Cookies

from the kitchen of Elaine Light (1922-2021)

2 c. sifted all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 c. soft butter

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. molasses

1 egg yolk

1 egg, slightly beaten

Currents or raisins

Sift flour, salt, soda, baking powder, and spices together. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar to- gether until fluffy. Blend in molasses and egg yolk. Stir in flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill one hour or longer.

Roll out a small amount at a time on a sugar-sprinkled board. Roll 1/8-inch thick. Cut out cookies with lightly-floured groundhog cookie cutter. Place cookies on greased baking sheet. Brush with slightly beaten egg. Decorate with currant eye, raisins, etc. Bake 8 to 10 min. in a preheated 350 degree oven. Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet.

Yield: Makes 12 to 15 large size groundhogs, or 3 to 4 dozen smaller ones. • • •

Punxsutawney Hometown is a community magazine, and we at Hometown want to tell your stories -- this community's stories. To do this, we need your help in uncovering local stories. If you have an idea for a story or know someone whose story should be told, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or by calling or texting Mary at 814-952-3668.

Locally Owned • Daily Specials Friendly Dining Experience

Homestyle Full Menu Catering • 6-Packs

Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 7 am -7pm Fri. & Sat. 7am - 8pm • Closed Sun. & Mon.

20459 US 119 S. of Punxsutawney 814-938-2570

CONTEST RULES

1. Complete the coupon on this page.

2. Guess the winning team and the total number of points you think will be scored in the NFC vs. AFC Super Bowl Game

3. Enter one of the participating advertisers on this page to redeem your coupon should you be the contest winner.

4. Mail entry to: ‘Super Football Contest,’ Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Rd,. Punxsutawney, PA 15767

PLEASE MARK YOUR TEAM PICK & TOTAL POINTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER ENVELOPE.

5. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED/EMAILED BY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023.

6. No purchase necessary. Please only enter once.

7. In the event two or more contestants correctly pick the winning team and total number of points, one winner will be randomly selected and awarded the prize. If two or more contestants tie for closest to the total score, one winner will be randomly selected to win the prize.

8. Hometown magazine retains the right to make any final decisions regarding the contest, and by submitting an entry, contestants agree to abide by the rules of the contest.

Hometown magazine’s ‘Super Football Contest’: ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY THURSDAY, FEB. 9, 2023 Mail to: Super Football Contest, Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Rd., Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Name Address City & Zip Phone

Coupon for Super Bowl Game of February 12th

Step1: Guess the Winning Team: _____NFC Team _____AFC Team

Step2: Guess the Total Points that will be Scored in that Game:

Step3: Should I win, I would like to redeem my gift card at: (must be a participating advertiser on this page)

This guide will provide you with the information you need as you make the trek to Gobbler’s Knob, participate in the events, and find your way throughout our community. You can also visit the information booth at the knob or the information tent in the town square for assistance. The most important thing is to have FUN!,

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

• 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Lily’s Restaurant & Bakery, 535 W. Mahoning St.

• 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Punxsy Shop'n Save, Groundhog Plaza.

• 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Grandma’s Kitchen, 12680 Rt. 36 N. between Punx’y & Brookville.

• 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Pasquales/Smokin Pete’s, 20459 Rt. 119 South.

• 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Punxsy Phil's Cakes & Steaks Restaurant - We serve breakfast all day! Rt.119 South, Punx’y.

• Burger King, Hampton Avenue Open daily.

• 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.: Rumors Tavern, 901 W. Mahoning St.

• 10 a.m.: Crowning of Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog 2022, in the lobby of the Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., No charge to attend the crowning. Weather Discovery Center open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $8 admission, children 2 & under free.

• 10 a.m.: 4 Mile Run/Walk starting at Barclay Square. Register on runsignup.com or on race day from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. $25 entry fee on race day. Make checks payable to Doug Craft. Proceeds benefit future races. For more information call Doug Craft at (814) 938-6362 or email doug.craft61@icloud.com.

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Punxsutawney Phil’s “Official” Souvenir Shop, located in the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Punxsutawney.

• 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Fox’s Pizza Den, Groundhog Plaza 814-618-5653.

• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Pizza Town, 565 W. Mahoning St.

• 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Laska’s Pizza, 405 S. Main St.

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Frank’s Star Lunch, 265 N. Findley St., Suite B. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Anchor Inn, Italian American food. Pizza and more. Eat in or take out, 814-938-8060. Rt. 310, Elk Run Ave.

• 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Leila Jo’s, 246 W. Mahoning St.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

• 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Lily’s Restaurant & Bakery, 535 W. Mahoning St.

• 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Punxsy Shop'n Save, Groundhog Plaza.

• 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Grandma’s Kitchen, 12680 Rt. 36 N. between Punx’y & Brookville.

• Burger King, Hampton Avenue Open daily.

• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Punxsy Phil's Cakes & Steaks Restaurant - We serve breakfast all day! Rt.119 South, Punx’y.

• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Leila Jo’s, 246 W. Mahoning St.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., $8 admission, children 2 & under free.

• 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Pizza Town, 565 W. Mahoning St.

• 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Laska’s Pizza, 405 S. Main St.

• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Fox’s Pizza Den, Groundhog Plaza 814-618-5653.

• 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Burrow, 108 N. Findley St.

• 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Groundhog Paint N Sip. Led by local artist Kelly Porada at The Punx- Continued on next page

Groundhog Day Activities at

Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society

Eleven breakfast

Phils Jam N Toast station & Phyllis's Parfait Station

Adult $20 • Kids 5-9 $10 • under 4 free