Groundhog Day with a TWIST!

Groundhog Day comes only once a year and its arrival is eagerly awaited by thousands of Phil's faithful followers. Nowhere in the world is Phil's prediction more anxiously awaited than in Punxsutawney, PA, "The Home of the Groundhog!" In anticipation of Ground Hog Day, Feb. 2nd a few questions came to our minds, that we bet have crossed yours as well.





Does the groundhog seeing his shadow on Groundhog Day really mean anything? Legend has it that if Phil sees his shadow when he awakens from his winter sleep, six more weeks of winter will follow. But if it’s cloudy and no shadow is apparent we're in for the delights of an early spring.

There is a grain of truth to the beliefs associated with the American tradition of Groundhog Day. Most of the time, mild, sunny weather in January and February will be followed by wintry weather in March. After bad weather in January and February, spring often comes early.

Although most people don’t take Groundhog Day seriously, the custom of predicting the arrival of spring on this day is based on a few traditional weather signs. For example, people have looked to the awakening of hibernating animals as one of the first signs of spring.



At Twist, we think every day is a day to celebrate and Ground Hog Day is no different.  Here are some fun activities we have put together for you to enjoy with or without children!

 Color Phil!
Phil is just waiting to have some color added to his life! Help Phil by giving him some color; Phil is always much happier when he is brightly colored! Click here for a version you can print!

Thumbprint Art
Make a thumbprint Groundhog! Download and print worksheet 

Groundhog Cut-outs
Make Phil ornaments to hang on the chandelier for Groundhog Day (but they could hang anywhere). Construction paper cut-outs hang from paper clips. Half were groundhog faces (in brown) and the other half were shadows (in black).
Click here to view the ornament template.

 Uncode Phil's Handlers Secret Message
What does Phil's Handler say in this secret message? Decode it to find out!
Secret Message

Goundhog Day Menu
The first Groundhog Day celebration was held in Punxsutawney in the late 1800s when German settlers introduced the legend of Candlemas Day. In honor of Groundhog Day this year, discover the foods brought to Pennsylvania hundreds of years ago by our German ancestors. Finish it all off with the legendary Groundhog Cookie — a Phil phavorite!

RECIPES
·       Roasted Mushroom Soup
·       German Apple Brown Bread
·       Fresh Greens with Apple Cider Vinaigrette 
·       Roasted Pennsylvania Pork with Vegetable and Rosemary
·       Garlic Mashed Potatoes
·       Groundhog Cookies
Click here for recipes: http://www.visitpa.com/groundhog-day-menu


For more Groundhog Day ideas check out these resources 

http://www.groundhog.org/
http://nierocks.areavoices.com/2015/01/29/ground-hog-day/#sthash.kKe9p2eq.dpuf
http://www.pinterest.com/twistop/ground-hog-day-with-a-twist/

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