Sammi says 6 more weeks of winter

Schnogadahl Sammi and members of Groundhog Lodge No. 6 of Monroe County gathered at sunrise Thursday at Cherry’s Diner in Kresgeville.

“As it looks right now, Sammi will see his shadow. It means six more weeks of winter,” said Neal Murphy, weather predictor and vice president of the lodge.

Members of the lodge gathered around Sammi, a mounted groundhog, during the 7 a.m. ceremony. Leaders gave a welcome, prayer and prediction in English and Pennsylvania Dutch in the 19-degree temperature to about 35 people gathered for the local tradition.

“It is so great to have this event back, and there is a good crowd for it,” said Bruce George, president of the lodge.

Collin Bentley, a 4th grade student at Pleasant Valley Intermediate, attended the gathering with his mom, Jennifer. He gave the event a thumbs-up and was excited to have pancakes at the diner afterward.

“We made a $1 bet before coming here. I said it would be an early spring and he said it would be six more weeks of winter,” said Jennifer Bentley, who aptly wore pants with a floral print.

A few other children were in the crowd before going off to school today.

Ella Rufo, also a student at PVI, was there with her siblings and parents.

“I’m so glad I can come see it in person once again. We’ve been watching the live streams of Punxsutawney Phil for the past two years,” Rufo said.

The Kresgeville event was canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic, along with the lodge’s annual banquet. This year’s banquet is Feb. 24 at the Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company’s social hall.

The lodge has been around for 71 years. The first gathering was held at the McIlhaney Hotel, which was near where the Chestnuthill Diner is today.

After the ceremony, most of the crowd went inside the diner for breakfast and coffee.

Punxsutawney Phil also saw his shadow today, as his inner circle and guests gathered for the 137th Groundhog Day celebration.