Groundhog Day 2010: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter

Feb. 2, 2010— -- Punxsutawney Phil declared six more weeks of winter this morning. The famed groundhog came out of his stump to see his shadow just after sunrise, at about 7:22 a.m.

Groundhog Day festivities started as early as 3 a.m. as a crowd gathered on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. The fireworks display started at 6:30, followed by the members of the Punxsutawney Inner Circle announcing Groundhog Day birthday wishes.

Phil also had a deal for those who couldn't make Gobblers Knob for his annual call of the winter: Text "Groundhog" to 247365.

The pudgy prognosticator apparently has a nose for the value of social networking. About 17,000 people had already signed up for Phil's text, Mickey Rowley, the deputy secretary for Pennsylvania tourism, said. If you send the text, you'll receive a copy of his forecast delivered to your mobile:

"Hey, saw my shadow. I hereby do predict 6 more weeks of winter. Last one to a PA ski lodge is an opossum. -- Phil"

The Pennsylvania Tourism web site also offered a live webcast of the morning's event through to the groundhog's debut on VisitPa.com. You were also able to keep up with the crowds on Facebook and Twitter.

Every year, Punxsutawney, Pa., and the world wait eagerly to find out if the groundhog will see his shadow. If he dashes back from seeing his shadow, we're stuck with six more weeks of winter. If he sticks around above ground, then spring is around the corner.

The tradition dates back to the 18th century, when winter was long and bleak, according to Bill Cooper, former president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

German folklore originally had the badger or hedgehog as the seasonal predictor, but in Pennsylvania, the groundhog became the harbinger of spring.

"He's just like us and wants spring to arrive. Phil is interested in looking for some fresh greens and anxious to find romance," Cooper said.

But never has a performer been so dedicated to his fans on Gobbler's Knob. Over 124 years, Phil has been faithful to his fans and keeps us on the edge of our seats with his weather prediction.

While the Internet is buzzing about Grammy awards, Phil is one star who never misses his yearly performance. Beyonce's succes at the Grammys, where she scooped up six awards, may be a hot Web trend. But the singer pales in comparison to Phil's impressive record as "Groundhog of the Year" since 1887. And Groundhog Day consistently surfaces as the hot Web topic as Feb. 2 approaches.