Feb
Punxsutawney Phil’s 2008 Prediction: More Cold Weather Ahead
By: PR Newswire
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his haunt on Gobbler’s Knob and predicted six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow.
Cheers and jeers were plentiful among the thousands who assembled for the annual pilgrimage to Punxsutawney, as Inner Circle member Ben Hughes coaxed Phil from his hole and read his wintry prediction.
“While many of us hope for warmer weather, we are happy that our visitors will have more time to explore all of the wonderful winter activities in Pennsylvania,” said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism in the Department of Community and Economic Development. “Winter in Pennsylvania provides endless outdoor opportunities like skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and snowshoeing, but it also is a great time to explore indoor activities like our world-class art and children’s museums, indoor gardens and performing arts shows.”
Below is just a sampling of what visitors and Pennsylvanians can explore in the remaining six weeks of winter.
— International Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, Feb. 23-March 1, Ridgway Each year, hundreds of chainsaw carvers from across the country and the world gather in Ridgway to share their art and skill with the public and to raise money for charities. The event offers chainsaw competitions, safety classes, carving displays and much more. http://www.chainsawrendezvous.org/ — The Philadelphia Flower Show, March 2-9, Philadelphia Celebrate “Jazz It Up!” at the 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the show will borrow some New Orleans’ flair as it features garden and special floral exhibitions and demonstrations, educational programs, merchant stands and more throughout its ten indoor acres. http://www.theflowershow.com/ — Skiing at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion Seven Springs has been consistently rated the number one ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic by SKI magazine. With 14 slopes and 17 trails, an elevation of 2,994 feet, and the widest variety of terrain and lifts in the state, skiers and riders can enjoy its more than 275 acres. Snow tubing is also available, along with great activities for families. http://www.7springs.com/ — Ice Skating at PPG Place, Pittsburgh Newly created downtown ice skating rink PPG Place is fast becoming a Pittsburgh tradition. While gliding along the ice, lights from the city twinkle as they are reflected by the glass structure of the PPG Place buildings. PPG Place is close to shops, cafes, restaurants and the Cultural District. http://www.ppgplace.com/rink — Dinosaurs in Their World at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh The new “Dinosaurs in Their World” exhibit will illustrate the incredible diversity of Mesozoic life, placing the dinosaurs in dramatic, new, scientifically accurate poses amidst the hundreds of plant and animal species that shared their environments. “Dinosaurs in Their World” will allow Carnegie Museum of Natural History to exhibit much more of its world class fossil collection than before, displaying 16 major dinosaur skeletons. http://www.carnegiemnh.org/
For more information on Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction and what to do in Pennsylvania during any season, go to visitPA.com.
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are uniquely Pennsylvania. For more information about Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, go to visitPA.com or call (800) VISIT PA.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania Tourism Office Commonwealth News Bureau Room 308, Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 CONTACT: Michael Chapaloney 717-720-1301
Pennsylvania Tourism Office
CONTACT: Michael Chapaloney, +1-717-720-1301, for Pennsylvania Tourism
Office
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
