| In the valley of the shadow of the Groundhog, lies the village of Punxsutawney, well-known weather capital of the world and home to Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog and prognosticator extraordinaire. Our Seer of seers makes his annual prediction concerning the eminent demise of the winter season from outside his burrow atop Gobbler's Knob. This prognostication takes place on February 2nd which is known world-wide as Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney’s Groundhog, named Phil, has a sixth sense about the weather. Seeing a glimpse of his shadow on that cold dawn will cause Punxsutawney Phil to declare another six weeks of winter weather. The Groundhog speaks to his handler, who is a member of The Inner Circle, in groundhogese. This language is very mysterious and understood by few. The famous groundhog’s handler then interprets and a declaration is made. If there is no shadow, Punxsutawney Phil is happy to tell us that Spring is on the way. Most commonly, the groundhog does see his shadow and we are in for six more weeks of winter. For that reason, groundhog hats have become very popular items for Groundhog Day. Many new versions of groundhog hats are made available to the public each year in Punxsutawney.  The Inner Circle and the Groundhog Club have carried on this tradition in Punxsutawney for over a hundred years. With much pomp and formality, wearing top hats and bowties, they parade our famous Groundhog in public appearances around the country. The declaration on Groundhog Day inspired by Punxsutawney Phil has news coverage from around the world.
Now we common folk have united to form an Official Phil Fan Club. In homage to our famous Punxsutawney Phil, we gather around his Inner Circle, and have become The Outer Circle.  With a purchase from our Gift Shop, you will receive an official Outer Circle membership certificate, making you a member of the Outer Circle. You will want to wear all the groundhog regalia from groundhog hats to groundhog paws to groundhog scarves, and decorate your home with groundhog items too! It’s all part of the Phil fun of it! Three cheers for Punxsutawney Phil who makes Groundhog Day a time for fun in the middle of the cold dark winter. Thanks to a groundhog, a little town like Punxsutawney got its name on the map and a Hollywood movie too! Be sure to see GROUNDHOG DAY, the movie—a real cult favorite around here.
A new video called “The Life and Times of Punxsutawney Phil” is out on public television. We’re excited about it because our “Phil Hood” has become famous, appearing many times on the film—couples were married here wearing it! You’ll see my friend, Dede, at the beginning of the video wearing the hood and talking about the magical, mystical Phil, the Punxsutawney groundhog. Photo of The Inner Circle courtesy of the Inner Circle and www.groundhog.org. | 
