Can’t get to Gobbler’s Knob? You can still celebrate Groundhog Day
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Anyone living in Western Pennsylvania knows that Punxsutawney Phil is the authentic groundhog meteorologist that, according to tradition, has come out of his burrow every Feb. 2 since 1887 to hopefully announce an early spring – unless he sees his shadow and subjects us all to six more weeks of winter weather.
There are some imposter prognosticators, according to history.com, including Staten Island Chuck in New York, General Beauregard Lee near Atlanta., Ga., and others, but the ceremony taking place at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney is the real deal.
For those not able to make the trek to Jefferson County for the ceremonies on Feb. 2 by the Inner Circle of dignitaries, a few other events are planned to celebrate our local legend.
‘Groundhog Day’ screening
Bethel Park Public Library will offer two free screenings of the cult classic “Groundhog Day” movie starring Bill Murray from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 2 in the library’s Fireplace Room .
In the 1993 comedy, Murray portrays Phil Connors, a TV weatherman who becomes caught in a time loop and is doomed to keep reliving the same day when he’s sent on assignment to Punxsutawney to cover the annual Groundhog Day event. Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliott co-star.
Details: 412-835-2207 or bethelparklibrary.org
Groundhog Day 2.2 Mile Virtual Event
Virtual Run Events powered by Moon Joggers is celebrating Groundhog Day on 2.2.2020 by running (or walking) 2.2 miles.
It’s actually a virtual race, which means participants can run or walk from any location they choose — at the gym, on a treadmill, on the track, on a trail — at their own pace. They time their own race and can run on their own or with friends.
The event costs $8 and organizers will donate a portion of each registration to International Children’s Heart Foundation to help children with congenital heart disease in developing nations.Races can be completed any time before Feb. 29. Participants who accomplish 2.2 miles will earn a fun, 3-inch Groundhog Day medal that will be shipped to each “winner.”
Details: eventbrite.com or virtualrunevents.com
Take home a groundhog
Two locations of Painting with a Twist are celebrating Groundhog Day weekend with separate create-your-own groundhog painting events.
On Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Paint and Sip Studio on East Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side invites all ages to try their hand at painting a likeness of Phil himself. Paintings are available on a 16-inch-by-20-inch canvas for $37, a wooden shiplap pallet for $40 or 17.5-inch-by-15-inch wood plank board for $45. Participants must register in advance.
Details: 412-488-7928 or paintingwithatwist.com/studio/pittsburgh-south-side
On Feb. 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., the Paint and Sip Studios on Rodi Road in Penn Hills will sponsor a similar event for all ages. The cost is $37 for a 16-inch-by-20-inch canvas. Participants must register in advance.
Details: 412-824-7928 or paintingwithatwist.com/studio/pittsburgh-penn-hills
Groundhog Day prediction races
Get Fit Families is hosting Groundhog Day Prediction Races – a 6.66 Mile, 4.44 Mile or 2.22 Mile Prediction Race – on Feb. 2 at the Masonic Hall Rec Center, 330 East Beaver St., Zelienople.
Participants predict their time — no watches or timing devices allowed — and if they get within the allotted time, they get a free entry into the 2021 race.
Three different races will kick off at 9, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Time, registration and packet pickup will take place at 7:30 a.m. Awards will be presented at 11:45 a.m.
Before the races start, there will be a Groundhog Proclamation and an announcement of whether or not Phil saw his shadow. After the races, there will be Groundhog Day celebrations, food, music and fun. There also will be a Costume Contest with prizes for dressing up as a favorite character from “Groundhog Day.”
Groundhog trophies and medals will be presented. The actual race course won’t be revealed until race morning.
Details: getfitfamilies.com