Groundhog Day revelers met in the parking lot behind the former Cherry’s Sunset Diner in Kresgeville this morning.

Groundhog Sammi spoke to Bob Andrews, of Monroe County Groundhog Lodge #6, Sunday and said, “Spring will not come early, but will be right on time. We won’t get a lot of snow, but get ice and cold weather with lots of wind.”

It was 15 degrees at sunrise as a group of about 30 people watched the Lodge officers gathered up front with Andrews and Sammi.

Andrews said a prayer and the forecast in Pennsylvania Dutch and then repeated both in English.

Ryleigh Rufo proudly held her groundhog stuffed animal as she huddled under a blanket to stay warm. Her family are annual attendees of this event.

“It’s a fun cultural tradition that we need to maintain,” said Gene Kearney, of Scranton.

He and girlfriend Laura Troy have come to these festivities at the diner several times before.

Many from the crowd followed the officers to Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Department for their monthly breakfast.

Ike Christman, treasurer of the lodge, recently spoke with the new owners of the diner, which will be called Kresgeville Pub and Eatery. It will be opening later this month.

Out in Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. He also forecast an Eagles win at next week’s Super Bowl.