COUNTY LIFE
Fun facts on Groundhog Day
To get in the spirit of Groundhog Day — whether you want six more weeks of winter or not — here are 10 fun facts about the holiday:
1. Punxsutawney Phil is the official groundhog forecaster on February 2, but many states have their own (like New York’s Pothole Pete).
2. Phil’s full name, granted by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, is Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary.
3. Groundhogs typically weigh between 12 and 15 pounds; Phil is 22 pounds.
4. Groundhogs only live six to eight years, but folklore suggests that Phil sips a magical drink that gives him seven more years of life.
5. The Germans originally chose a hedgehog as their animal forecaster. They turned to groundhogs instead when they discovered a large amount of them in Pennsylvania.
6. Hibernation is similar to being in a coma. When groundhogs hibernate, their heart rates drop to five beats per minute and they can lose up to 30 percent of their body fat.
7. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club hosts a three-day celebration leading up to Groundhog Day.
8. The popular movie of the same name (starring Rockland County resident Bill Murray) gave meaning to the phrase “groundhog day”: to repeat something over and over again.
9. Phil’s fans have been able to get text message alerts of his predictions since 2010. (Text “Groundhog” to 247365, in case you’re interested.)
10. According to ABCNews, the National Climatic Data Center found that there is no correlation between Phil’s prediction and the actual weather forecast.
So, what’s your prediction? More wintry weather, or blue skies and sunshine? Sound off by writing a comment below.
This article originally appeared on hvmag.com in 2015. It has been updated to reflect 2019’s forecast and Punxsutawney Phil statistics.
Enjoy a free comic book day mini-convention 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 4 at the Bowie Public Library in conjunction with Freakz & Geeks of Bowie.
There will be arts and crafts, comics, a costume contest, special guests, BTXFG exclusive swag give-aways, a video game high-score tournament, vendors and more.
Whether you’re a cosplayer ready to break out your costume, a gaming fanatic looking to throw down, or simply looking for a day of family-friendly fun and entertainment, there’s something for everyone at the Mini Con.
Don’t miss out – come join the festivities and support your local Freaky Geeky community.
Gold-Burg High School’s one-act play, “Interview,” advanced out of area competition Friday earning a place on the stage for regionals along with Slidell and Avery. Saint Jo received the alternate play.
The Bears will travel to Plano on April 26 for regional 1A University Interscholastic League competition, the last stop before state. Director Linda Fitzner said she will provide additional details on times and locations as soon as they are released to her.
Corbin Gilbert received All-Star cast, Arin Turner and Levi Hellinger, received honorable mention All-Star cast and Lexie Eat received the outstanding sound award. Fitzner said she is so “Proud of our Bears.”
Read the full story that includes results for Saint Jo and Bowie in the mid-week Bowie News.
Pictured above: Gold-Burg High School’s cast and crew of its one-act play at area. (Courtesy photo)
Officials with the Nocona Chamber of Commerce, Nocona VFW and LG Lemons Art Gallery are happy to announce the first ever poetry, prose, and tall tales event called “Rhymin’ at the Justin.”
The presentations are scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 26 at the H.J. Justin Community Room at 100 Clay in downtown Nocona. Area writers such as David Smith from Waxahachie and others from as far away as Cache and Duncan, OK, Decatur, and Wichita Falls who have a passion for “wordsmithing” will read or recite some of their original material.
The event is free to the public. Table seating will be available for all and you may bring your own dinner and drinks, if you wish. No glass bottles, please. Call or text Larry G Lemons at 940-366-5782, if you need more information.
This new event joins the popular musical jam welcoming area musicians the last Saturday of each month.
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