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7 facts about Groundhog Day

Editor’s Note: This story was first published Feb. 1, 2017. 

WASHINGTON — It’s not an official holiday, but every Feb. 2, Americans celebrate Groundhog Day and eagerly wait to know whether the furry animal forecasts an early spring or another six weeks of cold winter weather.

Everyone knows the story: If the groundhog comes out of his burrow at sunrise and sees his shadow, winter will be around for another six weeks. However, if the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow, spring will arrive early.

But here are some things you may not have known about Groundhog Day.

If you can’t make it to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see the forecast in person, watch the live stream of the event here.

Need to fact check Phil by seeing what other forecasting groundhogs predicted? Check out a live stream of Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam, or look out for predictions from Georgia’s General Beauregard Lee, Staten Island Chuck, Wisconsin’s Jimmy the Groundhog, North Carolina’s Sir Walter Wally, and D.C.’s very own stuffed groundhog Potomac Phil.

Hail to the chief: Take our presidential trivia quiz

EDITOR'S NOTE: WTOP first brought you this quiz in 2019. Presidents Day is coming. How well do you know the less-important facts about the nation's leaders? Take WTOP's quiz — with any luck, it won't take you all Presidents Day to finish it.
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