You know Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania who appears before massive crowds gathering before dawn each year on February 2 in Punxsutawney, PA, just a few hours from York County.

This long-standing tradition is based on folklore where if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. No shadow means we’ll have an early spring.

Here in York County, you can take part in the Groundhog Day fun with three local organizations.

 

Downtown York City

The York Slumbering Groundhog Lodge is holding a dinner at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, at the York Elks Lodge, 223 N. George Street. Note: Reservations are required. 

On Monday, February 2, the traditional Groundhog Day ceremony will take place outside on the Elks patio with Poor Richard determining the outcome.

Find details here.

 

Dover

Dover Township is hosting Dover Doug’s Prognostication at the Pavilion in Lehr Park, 3700 Davidsburg Road, in Dover. The ceremony begins at 7 a.m., on Monday, February 2. Following Dover Doug’s prediction, there will be a breakfast in the Community Building.

Find details here.

Dover Doug Feb 2

 

Hanover

Guthrie Memorial Library, 2 Library Place in Hanover, is celebrating Groundhog Week February 2-6 with Guthrie the Groundhog. Youngsters will enjoy groundhog themed story times and activity packs, crawling through a groundhog burrow, and searching the library for a cardboard cutout of Guthrie the Groundhog to win a prize.

Find details here.

 

What do you think? Six more weeks of winter or will we see an early spring?

Regardless of the outcome, our website is full of fun things to do in any season.

​Be sure to visit our online calendar often for things to do. Events are constantly being added.

For inspiration on other fun things to do, sign up for our Getaway Guide email to have the latest York County updates delivered right to your inbox twice a month. Bonus: Each issue contains a question and a winner is selected for a fun prize.

Have you read our latest Travel Guide? You can view a digital copy online, see where you can pick up a guide locally, or request a copy to be mailed to you.

Posting on social media? Share your photos and tag @ExploreYorkPA so we can see the fun you are having around York County!