Did you ever wonder who takes care of Punxsutawney Phil and his family all year long? Well, it’s the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle—the guys in the top hats. Together they carry forward the Groundhog Day tradition, plan the annual festivities, and do a good job of making sure Phil is protected and cherished.
Throughout the year two members of the Inner Circle, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths, serve as Phil’s chief handlers.
Recently we had the chance to ask Ben and John what it’s like to be stewards of Pennsylvania’s furry superstar. Here’s what they had to say—
What are your responsibilities as Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers?
BEN—Caring for Pennsylvania’s greatest living treasure is an important job. Phil is Pennsylvania’s second most identifiable icon and let’s be honest, the Liberty Bell only requires a bit of polish now and again.
JOHN—As handlers we are charged with the duty, no let’s call it the honor, of feeding, interacting, and cleaning up after the Seer of Seers. We also take care of his wife Phyllis and cousin Barney who live with him in the Groundhog Zoo. We escort him to many different events during the course of the year including school visits, parades, fairs, et cetera. We also get to peripherally bask in the glow of the attention he is given.
What is your favorite part of being Phil’s handler?
BEN—I would like to say it’s the VIPs or the incredible moment each year when Phil predicts the weather for the world, but in fact it is the day to day interaction that I have with Phil. It is a side that very few people get to see. He is one cute weather prognosticator. When you spend a lot of time with him, you get to see his kind and gentle side. He is hibernating now… he sleeps a lot and loves to snuggle next to me and watch TV. But not the weather…he doesn’t need the meteorologists input.
JOHN—Meeting people from all over the world and hearing their reasons for making the pilgrimage to Punxsutawney and in particular, Gobbler’s Knob.
What has been your best experience handling Phil?
BEN—There are too many to name. But you don’t have to be around Phil long to be reminded that it is all about him. John and I are simply care takers of Pennsylvania’s most photographed resident. And I have to admit, he is cuter than me, at least he has more hair.
JOHN—Any time I am not bitten it is a good experience. I don’t have one in particular that stands out, just the accumulation of many good experiences.
What has been your strangest experience handling Phil?
BEN—Let’s see, John and I care for a weather predicting groundhog that millions of people follow each year and countless thousands walk, ride or dance their way in freezing weather to see him emerge from his burrow at sunrise each February 2. Could it be more strange…and wonderful? It’s like being the press agent, body guard, chef, house cleaner and personal companion of Barbra Streisand, except Phil is cuter and more approachable and loved by more schoolchildren across the country. OK, Barbra can sing better, but can she predict the weather?
JOHN—During one parade Phil had a little bout of incontinence (remember he is at least 122 years old) that...well, let’s just say I sat by myself on the bus ride home.
Why should people attend Groundhog Day and visit Punxsutawney?
BEN—There is a reason that thousands of people come to Punxsutawney. It is our special way of celebrating winter and welcoming spring. If you are looking for that Norman Rockwell feeling of small town coupled with an adventure of a lifetime…there’s one good reason, but there are so many others. Food, fun and frivolity. The Inner Circle loves to welcome people to this special small town...Come visit us. Say hello. Meet Phil, dance, sing…do many crazy things all to stay warm of course.
JOHN—I had a couple from the state of Washington sum it up for me as to why you should come to “The Knob” at least once in your life. They said it was not a political, religious, or corporate event, it was just FUN during a time of the year when everyone could use a little fun.
I am sure that every town across the nation thinks their town is the best and they probably can present very convincing arguments, but what I hear the most from visitors is how nice everyone in Punxsy is and how well they were treated. Successful Groundhog Days rest squarely on the shoulders of the many volunteers that donate their time in miserable weather conditions with smiles firmly planted on their faces.
What will you be doing on February 3?
BEN—Groundhog Day is Pennsylvania’s biggest all night party. And since I’m not as young as I used to be, I’ll be catching up on sleep. But only for one day…Groundhog Day activities occur 365 days a year.
JOHN—February 3rd I will be sleeping and probably having nightmares about the meeting we will have a week later that starts the process all over again. Did I say nightmares? I meant sweet dreams.
For more information about Groundhog Day please call 1-800-752-PHIL or visit www.groundhog.org
