Corbett Highlights State's Tourism Attractions, Invites the World to VisitPA

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa., Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today kicked off Groundhog Day festivities, highlighting Pennsylvania's unique tourism assets – including the annual Groundhog Day celebration – that attract millions of visitors to the Keystone State every year.

"What started as a small gathering in 1887 has now evolved into tens of thousands of visitors from around the nation and even the world coming to Punxsutawney to participate in this time-honored Groundhog Day tradition," Corbett said. "Regardless of whether Phil predicts an extended winter or early spring, tourists will have plenty of recreational opportunities in Pennsylvania to choose from in the coming weeks."

Pennsylvania's world-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow this morning in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Thousands watched as Phil made his highly anticipated weather prognostication, commemorating 126 years of Pennsylvania's unique Groundhog Day tradition.

According to holiday folklore, if the groundhog emerges in the early morning on Feb. 2 and does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. If he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter weather are expected. The annual event, started with a small group of men known as the Inner Circle, now attracts up to 30,000 visitors to Punxsutawney, located 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

"As many of you I am sure found out, getting a hotel room within 100 miles of Gobbler's Knob is next to impossible this week," Corbett said. "The economic impact of this multi-day event is tremendous. On average, visitors spend an estimated $200 per day on lodging, food, gas and souvenirs while visiting Punxsutawney during Groundhog Day. "  

Media contacts:
Kelli Roberts, Governor's Office; 717-425-1044
Steven Kratz, DCED; 717-571-0197

Editor's Note: Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of six more weeks of winter means there's still time to hit the slopes or enjoy a winter festival. Below, find a sampling of what Pennsylvania has in store for travelers during the remaining weeks of winter:

Chocolate-Covered February, Feb. 1-28, Hershey
Where else can visitors get the chance to celebrate chocolate for an entire month? Visitors can learn the art of making chocolate and explore hundreds of chocolate-themed activities. Warm up with delectable hot cocoa and see why Hershey is the "The Sweetest Place on Earth." www.chocolatecoveredfebruary.com

Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival, Feb. 3-5, Lewisburg
See downtown Lewisburg sparkle this winter with its annual Ice Festival. Visitors will be amazed while watching award-winning First Night Ice Carvers create giant sculptures in Hufnagle Park. In addition, the festival includes ice games, a polar bear plunge and a chocolate lover's festival. Beautiful historic homes, lamp-lit streets and a distinctive downtown shopping district provide the perfect backdrop to this charming festival. www.lewisburgpa.com

Introduction to Ice Fishing, Feb. 11-12, Dingmans Ferry
Winter's the perfect time to explore new sports in the great outdoors. Visitors looking to try out fishing without buying a license can test their skills at one of the state's premier environmental education centers. Leaders from the Pocono Environmental Education Center will teach guests the basics of ice fishing on the center's ponds. www.peec.org/events-date.html

Van Gogh Up Close at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Feb. 1-May 6,  Philadelphia                                      
Stay warm indoors and experience Van Gogh Up Close at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see more than forty works never displayed together before. The pieces, gathered from around the world, demonstrate his shift in tradition and showcase the work that helped bring modern painting to where it is today. www.philamuseum.org    

International Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, Feb. 18-25, Ridgway                                                                     
Each year hundreds of chainsaw carvers from around the world gather in Ridgway to share their art and skill with the public and to raise money for charities at the world's largest event of its kind. The International Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, has delighted thousands with chainsaw competitions, safety classes, carving displays and much more since its start in 2000. www.chainsawrendezvous.org

Pennsylvania Maple Festival, March 28- April 1, Meyersdale
What started as a small town festival in Somerset County has now become a statewide event bringing thousands of visitors each year. The festival celebrates Pennsylvania's maple syrup producers and includes live demonstrations of the production process, a parade, craft show and more. www.pamaplefestival.com

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to inspiring travel to the State of Independence. For more information, go to visitPA.com or call (800) VISIT PA; become a fan at facebook.com/visitPA, follow us at twitter.com/visitPA, share photos at flickr.com/visitPA, friend us at foursquare.com/visitPA, or watch us on youtube.com/visitPA.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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http://www.governor.state.pa.us