PINE GROVE, Pa. — In Schuylkill County, Grover the Groundhog emerged to make his weather prediction alongside his wife, Sweet Arrow Sue. And they have big news this year.
Seats filled up quickly at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park in Pine Grove as Groundhog Day enthusiasts anxiously awaited not only Grover the Groundhog's prediction but also some family groundhog news, as Grover's wife, "holemate" and soulmate Sweet Arrow Sue, announced their children.
"She was busy this morning feeding junior Grover so they'll be a new generation of Grovers to come along," said Bob Evanchalk, Grover's interpreter.
Grover the Groundhog predicted an early spring for Schuylkill County and even predicted the Super Bowl in favor of the 49ers by 3.
Luke Roman drove an hour to be there. He wasn't surprised by the prediction.
"That kind of makes sense the way this winter has been going. We really haven't had much winter. I was almost thinking they'd do it late to make up for the spring we had all winter."
The annual Groundhog Day tradition comes with predictions and prizes.
Bev Holly joins the fun every year to celebrate her sister's birthday with Grover.
"It starts off with a good breakfast then they have entertainment a great groundhog auction. If you win, you win. If you don't, it's still fun. It's a fun day."
"Everybody seems to love it," Evanchalk said. "The crowd keeps coming back every year, and they seem to really enjoy it. It's a lot of nonsense, but it's a lot of fun."