
Pennsylvania Groundhog Surrounded By Inner Circle
They don their top hats and coats every February 2, but unlike guests in the crowd, these well-dressed men stand on stage to run the show alongside Punxsutawney Phil.
This select group known affectionately as The Groundhog Club's Inner Circle, plays a significant role in the annual celebration of Groundhog Day.
We're going to tell you a little bit about who they are.
What Events Does The Groundhog Club's Inner Circle Plan?
Their Groundhog Ball is a fancy evening full of drinks, food and dancing. This year's theme is "A Red-Carpet Night," so you can expect locals and attendees from out of town to arrive dressed to impress.
The Groundhog Banquet, held on February 1 this year, will offer a buffet and is hosted by the Inner Circle's President, Tom Dunkel. Friends may know him as a different name, but more on that later.
At the banquet, a special announcement will be made selecting the Man and Woman of the Year for Punxsutawney.
There's a slew of events leading up to the big day and even the big moment. Dances, dinners, pancake breakfasts, live music and drinks, a talent contest. I don't know about you, but the Breakfast With Phil certainly sounds interesting. The Inner Circle says the event is a great way to "visit and relive those memories with other Phil Phans." Plus a picture with Phil? I'm sold.

Caring for Punxsutawney Phil
Not only does The Groundhog Club's Inner Circle plan the events, they care for Phil, too. For 364 days, the renowned rodent lives the simple life, but on February 2 thousands of spectators gather around his home of Gobbler's Knob to get the answer to the age-old question, "Will there be six more weeks of winter?"
If Gobbler's Knob makes you giggle, you're not alone, and that's just the beginning. Members of the Inner Circle all have nicknames.
Current Members' Names and Nicknames:
Tom Dunkel, "Shingle Shaker"
Dan McGinley, "Moonshine"
Jason Grusky, "Big Chill"
Josh Farcus, "Frostbite"
A.J. Dereume, "Rainmaker"
Butch Philliber, "Iceman"
Jeff Lundy, "Fair Weatherman"
Jon Johnston, "Chief Healthman"
Dave Gigliotti, "Thunder Conductor"
Patrick Osikowicz, "O-Zone"
Jory Serrian, "Daybreaker"
Rob McCoy, "Downpour"
Patrick Casaday, "Head Huntsman"
Rob Gemmell, "Storm Builder"
Jay Lundy, "Overcast"
Punxsutawney, "The Weather Capital of the World," will come alive on February 2 with visitors arriving as early as 3 a.m.
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