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The countdown to Groundhog Day 2025 has begun.

As organizers tidy up loose ends ahead of Sunday’s Groundhog Day Celebration, presented by Main Street of Hope in collaboration with Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators, everyone’s favorite local marmot is enjoying a little rest and relaxation ahead of her big prediction and date with local paparazzi during the free event at 8 a.m. on the Hope Town Square.

Organizers say there will be a slight change to this year’s festivities. Following Hope’s prediction, all are invited to gather at the Yellow Trail Museum, located at 644 Main St., for hot drinks and warm hospitality.

This 12^th year of the event will offer a beautifully blended pairing of theatre and history set to a Polka soundtrack that’s come to define this Surprising Little Town’s annual presentation of the finest Americana.

Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress in period clothing; after all, part of the fun is the pomp and circumstance. Hope, herself, is making sure her fur is just right as she will be sticking around after the event for pictures and selfies.

Ahead of the festivities, check out these fun facts about Groundhog Day…

* The first record of the Groundhog Day tradition in the United States dates back to a diary entry dated 4 February 1841 [sic], where a diary entry by the late James L. Morris makes reference to Candlemas day, which was observed February 2.  Morris wrote of the Germanic custom of observing the groundhog on February 2 where “…the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.”

* Groundhog Day is a holiday that has historically represented the ascent of light over dark, today’s Groundhog Day has always represented a seasonal midpoint; that cross-quarter passed over by the Sun on its steady journey to the spring equinox.

* According to some accounts, the groundhog wasn’t the first choice. In fact, in 19^th century Europe, a bear was considered the far better choice for prediction; while the Germans preferred the badger.  

* Punxsutawney Phil got his nickname in 1961.

* The first Groundhog Day celebration was hosted by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in 1887 and featured a hunt and groundhog feast. Eventually, the hunting portion of the annual event gave way to just the observance of the Groundhog Day shadow.

* Following the release of the movie "Groundhog Day" (1993), Gobbler’s Knob began receiving annual crowds in the tens of thousands.

* To date, Punxsutawney Phil has made more than 100 forecasts with just over one dozen that predicted an early spring.