Feb. 2 is one of Americas weirdest holidays Groundhog Day!
Groundhog Day was first observed in America on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, PA. The History Channel says that the first mention of Groundhog Day in the United States that historians can find is a newspaper article in which an editor, who belonged to the "Punxsutawney Groundhog Club," wrote that Phil, the Punxsutawney groundhog, was America’s only true weather-forecasting groundhog. However, Groundhog Day actually originated in Germany. Germans used a hedgehog to "predict" the weather on Candlemas Day, a Christian holiday celebrated on February 2nd each year. Germans who immigrated to Pennsylvania brought the tradition with them, but -- lacking a hedgehog -- used a groundhog instead. Legend has it that if the groundhog sees his/her shadow, we will have 6 more weeks of winter.
Local Celebrations |
Everyone has heard of Punxsutawney Phil, but do you know that York County has three of our very own celebrity groundhogs & celebrations too?
York Poor Richard
York City is home to "Poor Richard" and the Slumbering Ground Hog Lodge which is reported to be the third oldest Groundhog Lodge in the US.
Poor Richard invites you to join him for his annual prediction at the 96th Annual Ground Hog Day Celebration Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 7:15 am at the Elks Lodge #213 located at 223 N George St, York.
The ceremony will be held outside and may be observed from the sidewalk in front of the Elks Lodge patio.
All are welcome to attend.
The Elks will also be hosting a Groundhog Day Evening Dinner and New Member Initiation Sunday Evening, February 2, 2025, 6-8 PM.
Dinner, Program, and Music by Craig & Randy.
Dinner includes: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies, Dessert. Vegetarian option-Pasta Alfredo w/ Roasted Veggies.
Tickets are $15, available at the Lodge or by contacting-Linda Baugher-717.881.9919,
Dover Doug
Dover Doug has been the Chief Groundhog for Dover Township since February 2, 2002.
You can join him for his annual Prognostication at Lehe Park located at 3700 Davidsburg Rd, Dover on Sunday February 2, 2025 at 7:00 am.
Following the Prognostication, the public is invited to join him for breakfast inside the Dover Community Building.
For more information please visit the Dover Township website or FB page.
Hanover Guthrie the Groundhog
Stop by this week to celebrate Guthrie the Groundhog—Guthrie Memorial Library's beloved mascot January 27- January 31 !
Honor our favorite groundhog by participating in some of these activities when you visit:
Groundhog themed Story Times at 10:15 with Miss Kelly
Crawl through our ground hog burrow
Groundhog themed Activity Packs
Where’s Guthrie? Find Guthrie’s cardboard cutout, win a prize!
Vote! Will Guthrie see his shadow? Get a prize when you vote!
Then, visit us on Friday, January 31st between 12noon and 4:30 pm in the program room for:
Crafts- Make Groundhog themed crafts
Food- Create (and eat!) a special Groundhog dessert
Groundhog Games - Play fun Groundhog board games
All events are free, some materials/prizes may be limited.
Guthrie Memorial Library is located at 2 Library Pl, Hanover
Nixon Park Groundhog Storytime
Join us for a fun-filled Groundhog Storytime & Craft on Sunday, February 2nd from 1-2 PM at Nixon Park!
What to Expect:
• Enjoy an interactive story with a friendly park naturalist, all about Pennsylvania’s largest members of the squirrel family – groundhogs!
• After the story, stick around for a craft activity where you can make your very own groundhog-themed creation!
Important Details:
• $3 per child
• Students must be accompanied by an adult (great family fun!).
• Register by email: Send your name, number of participants, ages of children, and phone number to NixonCountyPark@yorkcountypa.gov.
Groundhog Day Treats & Activities |
If you're looking for a sweet Groundhog-themed treat to celebrate this special occasion our Groundhog Day cookies and Groundhog Day Pudding Cups are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Groundhog Day Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup soft butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg yolk
1 egg, slightly beaten
Currants or raisins
Sift together first seven ingredients. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend in molasses and yolk. Stir in flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball.
Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill overnight, several nights or freeze.
Place small amounts of dough on a sheet of plastic wrap, and cover with plastic wrap. Roll 1/8 inch thick. Cut out cookies with lightly floured cutter. The cookie cutter can be purchased on Phil's website.
Place cookies on greased baking sheet. Brush with slightly beaten egg. Decorate with currants or raisin eyes. Repeat until all dough is used.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet. Makes 72 or more medium-sized groundhogs.
Groundhog Day Pudding Cups
Ingredients
Nutter Butter Cookies
Chocolate Pudding Cups
Coconut Flakes
Brown M&M’s
Small Candy Eyes
Small Marshmallow Bits
Green Food Coloring
Instructions
Put coconut flakes in a bowl and mix with a few drops of the green food coloring.
Open one Nutter Butter cookie and use the inside "butter" to add the facial features of the groundhog.
Spread a little bit of the inside butter on the back of the eyes, nose (brown M&M’s), and teeth (small marshmallow bits). Then simply press on the cookie.
To make the ears, take one M&M and cut it in half. Then use some of the inside butter again to place on top of the cookie.
Now take your final groundhogs and place them inside the pudding cups. Top the cups with your "grass" (green coconut flakes).
For more Groundhog Day fun:
Check out our Pinterest page for some craft inspiration and more!
Enjoy these fun educational Groundhog Day games online.
