HARRISBURG – Since it was announced two weeks ago that Punxsutawney Phil would ‘text’ his Groundhog Day forecast, more than 15,000 fans of the world-famous prognosticator have signed up to receive that alert.
To sign up receive Phil’s forecast, text “groundhog” to 247365 before Feb. 2. After the initial text message, participants will be invited to submit their e-mail address to receive additional tourism-related messages. Standard text messaging rates apply.
“Punxsutawney Phil will make history this year by text-messaging his faithful followers – a feat that was inconceivable on the first Groundhog Day celebration more than 120 years ago,” said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary for tourism at the Department of Community and Economic Development. “We are thrilled to have heard from 15,000 fans but feel certain Phil’s universe of followers is bigger. You have until Feb. 2 to become a part of history.”
In addition to a text notification, a Webcast of the Groundhog Day festivities will be available online, including links to Punxsutawney Phil-related videos on YouTube.