History:
Welcome, to the official web site of The Punxsutawney Groundhog Festival Committee INC. This is the celebration year of our 48th anniversary. Our mission remains to provide a family orientated summer celebration of our community and Pennsylvania's most famous resident Punxsutawney Phil. We also observe July 4th Holiday with a celebration of our freedoms. This year for the 48th anniversary we have a special schedule of events we hope will meet the approval of all who attend.
The Chamber of Commerce and the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club promoted the idea of a Festival of the Groundhog. The first meeting was held in September 1965 by a large group of local residents inluding many business and civic leaders. Clarence (Bud) Murry was elected as Chairman. With maximum community effort the first Festival of the Groundhog would be scheduled the next summer. Sunday, July 3, 1966, the first festival opened and featured a week long schedule of events to interest and entertain young and old alike. The first year's schedule much like the current plan of events featured band concerts in the park, exhibits, food booths, fireworks, children contests and variety entertainers. The festival is always scheduled to include July 4th each year.
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Festival Committee INC. received a charter in 1990 as an exempt organization under title 501[c] [4] Civi League. The festival remains today a community-based celebration and has not been supported by grants or tax dollars. Our budget is determined by the success of the financial support of the Official Festival Sponsors, participants in the food service area and the sale of souvenirs throughout the year at Phil's Official Souvenir Shop and their on line web site http://www.groundhogstuff.com. The souvenir business has allowed the festival committee to purchase the bandstand canopy and assist Punxsutawney Borough Council in site improvements throughout the Barclay Square area. The total monies available allow the committee to book local, regional and national entertainers and provide it FREE to the public. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a days fun or better yet stay all week and enjoy the full schedule of events.
