Groundhog Day is a uniquely Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. As such, it’s only fitting that Lebanon County celebrates the event with similar gusto to our Punxsutawney brethren.
You might already know Uni from our feature story last week. A tradition maintained by the Union Kanaal Grundsau Lodsch #17 since 1981, ‘Uni’ (named after the Union Canal) cruises the Tulpehocken Creek each Groundhog Day, to the delight of Myerstown residents.
Read More: ‘Uni’ isn’t short for unique, but it could be
There’s also Mt. Gretna’s Grady, who debuted in Feb. 2018. Grady did not see his shadow Sunday and thereby predicted an early spring.
LebTown reader Lois Herr submitted this photo of Grady at the event (held at the Mt. Gretna Fire Department Social Hall), along with one of ABC27 meteorologist Eric Finkenbinder interpreting Grady’s forecast.
Uni, on the other hand, did see has shadow at Myerstown’s recognition of Groundhog Day, held Saturday, and as such called for six more weeks of winter.
Groundhog Day has been celebrated in Lebanon County for at least a century and likely back into the 1800’s.
LebTown was in Myerstown on Saturday to capture photos of Uni’s annual appearance.
All photos by LebTown photographer Will Trostel.
Read more about Uni
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This post was updated with additional photos submitted by LebTown reader Lois Herr.