Governor Rendell: New Groundhog Adventures Debut on Groundhogdreams.com

Unique Web Site Promotes Pennsylvania’s Famous Groundhog Day Celebration

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – Follow the surreal adventures of the Groundhog and his Shadow at www.groundhogdreams.com, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s new Web site promoting the annual Feb. 2 Groundhog Day celebration, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.

This year, Groundhog is hospitalized after a traffic mishap. His coma-fueled dreams lead him into a series of precarious scenarios, all masterminded by his nemesis, Shadow. The question remains – will Groundhog survive to see Groundhog Day?

“Visitors to the site will learn that even in Groundhog’s dreams, he can’t escape Shadow,” Governor Rendell said. “As excitement for Groundhog Day builds, we are again having a little fun and keeping those who love Groundhog on the edge of their seats.”

Visitors to the site can send Groundhog a “virtual get-well gift” of Pennsylvania products ranging from traditional flowers, to soft pretzels with mustard, or shoofly pie. Two new dreams will debut each week between today and Feb. 2.

“We hope that those who eagerly await Groundhog Day will watch the videos and will sign up for updates on Groundhog’s condition,” said Mickey Rowley, the Department of Community and Economic Development’s deputy secretary of tourism. “Audiences enjoy seeing the different adventures, and this year they can really show their love for their beloved Groundhog by sending him some very unique get well greetings.”

The past escapades of Groundhog and Shadow include: GroundhogChase.com, Groundhog202.com, GroundhogCrossing.com, and groundhogduel.com.

In a tradition dating to the 1800s, Groundhog Day is celebrated each Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, Jefferson County, about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. According to folklore, if the groundhog emerges in the early morning and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. The event usually draws thousands of people and attracts international media attention.

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are uniquely Pennsylvania. For more information about Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, go to visitPA.com or call (800) VISIT PA.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell’s initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

    CONTACT:
    Chuck Ardo
    717-783-1116

    Michael Chapaloney
    717-720-1301 (Tourism)

SOURCE Pennsylvania Tourism Office