Lily Pad Travels: Summer of 21 - #34 - Gobblers Knob, Punxsutawney Phil & McGhees Mills Covered Bridge

June 21st, 2021

We decided to do a day trip to Punxsutawney. My UK family and friends will probably have never heard of this, so hold unto your hats and come along for the ride.

Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is the home of Punxsutawney Phil. He is the groundhog who comes out of hibernation on February 2nd each year and according to folklore, if he sees his shadow as he emerges from his burrow, there will be six more weeks of winter.

Many people come here to see this ceremony each year.

There's Phil in the middle of the sign

and on the gate!!!

This annual ritual has been going on since 1886 and was started by German immigrants.

There were informational signs, although the area was small and I can't imagine the masses arriving on Groundhog Day, as no tickets are required and it is a free event.

There was a small walking trail which we didn't do.

This tree looked as though it has been recently damaged.

Phil peeping out of the window of the Visitor Centre which was closed.

This is the stage where it all happens.........

Bryan's going to have a long wait if he's waiting for Phil!!!

Phil will come out of the door and everyone will be watching closely to see if he can see his shadow. It is always on the news, so we can find out if winter will continue or not!! The top of this is metal and if you go to visit DON'T touch it. It is extremely hot. It wasn't a particularly warm or sunny day so just be very careful. The reason we knew was that a man who was there before us kindly warned us!!! Bryan tested it very carefully and the man was right!!!

After visiting Gobblers Knob we decided to go in search of "Phil Statues" that have been placed throughout the town. We had a lot of fun and found 24. There are supposedly 32 but while I have been researching I seem to have found more than that, so who knows!!

They all have their own stories.

Filled with Memories of Shannon

"Located at the Steve's Greenhouse and Florist; Steve and Susie Roseman, their daughter Sherry, and their son Conor showed their love of their community and late daughter Shannon through this very special Phantastic Phil. It tells the story of Shannon's life and things that were important to her."

Through the Eyes of Pizzeria Phil

"Created by the same artist that did “Philage” and “There’s Work to be Done”, Kelly Porada and sponsored by the a town favorate, Laska’s Pizza. This Phil has a unique design that represents an Italian Chef. His apron is covered with old-fashioned post cards with scenes from Punxsutawney. Look carefully into his eyes, and you’ll see a refelected scene of old Italy, hence the name “Through the Eyes of Pizzeria Phil”."

Maybe another Fireman Phil??

The only fireman Phil I can find on the web has a number 20 on his hat. I think this may be a relatively new one and we couldn't find the #20 one.

Spirit of Punxsutawney

"Created by artist Sandy Zambory, the original design was created by Pittsburgh native Rick Weiss. This Phil is an old-time journalist equipped with a Brownie camera around his neck. He is sponsored by the Punxsutawney Spirit Newspaper."

A Garden Filled With Memories

"This Phil is a town favorite located at the original Sarah L. Defelice Pizza House. The current owner wanted to memorialize her mother Sarah; the original owner of the pizza house. Created by artist Raphael Pantalone who combined art with the memorial. He did so by painting all the plants that make up the ingredients of pizza and pictured Sarah in the middle."

Start to Finish

"Created by local artist Sandy Zambory, this Phil is based on an early Time Magazine cover that repeated a design over and over again. Located at the middle school, the stomach features the patio, while the back features the exit. This gives Phil the name "Start to Finish"

Most of the "Phils" had designs on the backs as well, some of them you couldn't see. We didn't take pictures of all the backs.

Breakfast Sounds Good

"Sponsored by Gimmick's Restaurant, where they make great breakfast and the owner is a singer/songwriter. The artist, Yvette Carrano, was able to combine these two hobbies and make this very unique phantasmic Phil."

We visited the square where Phil's burrow is and you can see him if you're lucky. There were several statues here.

Punksutawney Phil

I don't think this was one of the Phil's but a very good statue nether the less.

Cannons

A Philnomenal Place

"Sponsored by Don and Candi Powell, owners of a real estate company where this statue is located. Created by artist Joy Myers who is a resident of Punxsutawney. She depicted what life is like in this small town."

An interesting clock

Freedom Phil

"Nance Finley and Jeff Marshall created this Phil as a tribute to Independence Day. Sponsored by the same committee that hosts the annual grounhog festival that is held every Fourth of July. He is painted with copper paint, which will take on a green patina as it ages, similar to the real Statue of Liberty."

There were several memorials to the military here in the square and throughout the town. Of course, we love that.

A cute bench, although I think aimed at children. We weren't going to risk sitting on it.

In front of Phil's Burrow was "Phillage"

""Phillage" was the very first of the Phantastic Phils. Painted by local artist Kelly Porada. It made it's debut on Groundhog's Day 2004. Sponsored by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. It is the only statue to feature Phil with the traditional tuxedo and top hat worn by the caretakers of the real Punxsutawney Phil making him 7 feet tall"

We did take some pictures of the back of "Phillage"

There is a window that you can look through and if you're lucky see the groundhogs, one of which is hopefully "Phil". At least they were awake. Their burrow goes inside to the library as well although we didn't go in. The light was reflecting off the glass so it was difficult to get a good picture but at least you can make them out. I'm sure they are well cared for but I didn't really like this.

We continued on our mission to find more 'Phils"

The Wizard Of Weather

"This Phil was sponsored by the NW PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau. The metal hat was handcrafted by the metalworking teacher at the regional vocational school. The concept was conceived and carried out by Victoria Dicken, who also did "Phil Your Piggy Bank."

There's Work To Be Done

"Muralist Kelly Porada gave this Phantastic Phil all the right tools, including safety goggles (size XL), a pencil behind his ear, an an extension cord in his hand. A great representation of the hard-working, blue collar town that is Punxsutawney,PA."

The above Phantastic Phil was found outside Delta. I can't find any information about it.

Phil a House with Love

"This Phil was a team project created by two artists: Sheila Cuellar-Shaffer and Adam Shaffer. This depicts the loving and cozy households of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania."

Philtuminous: The Heritage Hog

"This Phil is sponsored by the Miller Brothers Furniture and is located on West Mahoning Street. He is a testimony to the founder of Miller Brothers Furniture who was a coal miner himself."

Get Your Phil of Roses

"Thousands of pieces of carefully arranged glass adorn this sculpture created by Brenda Nicklas. Her design, which took 200 hours to complete, was nearly damaged the same night it was unveiled to the public. During a severe thunderstorm, lightning struck the brick building across the street sending brick fragments flying in all directions narrowly missing the new Phantastic Phil."

This street mural was cute.

Phil My Prescription Please

"Loaded fun facts, this Phil Features a timeline of the history of pharmacy with different illustration. They depict the various implements used throughout the history of medicine."

Punksutenik Phil

"Punxsutawney's name was derived from the name of a nearby Indian tribe, the Lenni Lenape. They called the area "The Town of Ponkies". Ponkies are known as gnats or sandflies. This tribe had their own legends about the groundhog, making the "Punksutenik Phil" statue loaded with all sorts of fun history!"

Postcards from Phil

"This Phil depicts the Punxsutawney of long ago through postcards. The painted on "sticky notes" explain what is on the postcards. Notice how Phil "the tourist" is wearing socks with sandals."

Wearing socks with sandals made me laugh. This is definitely a British thing!!!!

Phil'd with Love

"Artist Chuck Dill created this lovable Phil sponsored by Mulberry Square Elder Care. This is the only one that depicts Phil with both arms in the air, giving a hug to all of his visitors. The "I 💗 Punxsy" quote is very simple, yet meaningful."

I couldn't find any information on the above Phil either but I love all the colors.

Presby McPhil

"Located at the Presbyterian Church representing its Scottish heritage. Talented fiberglass artist, Jeff Marshall, created this statue using everyday items that include sports drink bottles, yogurt containers, and empty cat food cans."

We loved Presby McPhil.

Philatelic Phil

"Named after the study of stamps termed “philately,” this Phil was sponsored by the employees of Punxsutawney Post Office. They had unique fundraisers to raise money. There was a list of “offenses” punishable by donation. For example, there was a 50 cent fine for swearing. Be sure to pay attention to the stamps on this Phil. Even includes an Elvis stamp!"

I couldn't find any information on the Phil above either, outside Phil's "Official" Souvenir Shop.

We apparently missed:

It's a WonderPhil World - Located at Patsy's Park