WASHINGTON — Potomac Phil, a stuffed groundhog, has predicted an early spring and six months of political gridlock on Capitol Hill, in his fifth annual appearance in Dupont Circle park.

In a tongue-in-cheek homage to Punxsutawney Phil, the Dupont Circle festival features presenters in top hats, polka music, and groundhog-shaped cookies and coffee.

Earlier Tuesday, Punxsutawney Phil failed to see his shadow at dawn, meaning he “predicted” an early spring.

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