PINE GROVE - Six more weeks of winter.
That's what "Grover the Groundhog," mascot for Pine Grove Grundsau Lodge No. 5, said Saturday morning, according to lodge Haaptmann Donald Potts and lodge weather forecaster Kurt Kemmerling.
"It's all his fault. So, when you go to work, put your gloves on and your long johns on, get your snow shovel and sit by the stove and eat cookies," Potts said to a crowd of more than 80 people who gathered for the annual Groundhog Day Celebration at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park in Pine Grove.
The ceremony was held at the Senator James J. Rhoades Pavilion, as the sun peeked out of the clouds and at least five people were ice fishing on the frozen lake. Local dignitaries present included Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess and state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125.
"This will get your blood pumping in the morning. It's going to be a fun day, and what's nice is it's not zero and windy," Tobash said.
"And this is the first time in a long time you can really skate on the lake," Tobash's mother, Mary, said.
Grover stood next to Potts and Kemmerling. He was frozen in place, but not because of the 29 degree cold. Grover is a stuffed critter that lodge members outfitted in doll-size denim bib overalls, a pink bandana and a straw hat. Around his neck is a shiny gold charm shaped like the number 5, representing the lodge.
"I think he's been around since 1946," Potts said.
Today is Groundhog Day, and Punxsutawney Phil, a live groundhog, is expected to leave his burrow at 7:20 a.m. for the annual festivities at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Jefferson County, according to groundhog.org, the website for The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
The reason why the Grundsau Lodge held its ceremony Saturday is Grover likes to go to church on Sundays, according to Potts.
Though the ceremony may not have been held on Groundhog Day, lodge members seemed confident in Grover's prediction.
"Punxsutawney Phil was wrong last year," Potts said.
Last year, Phil predicted an early spring when he didn't see his shadow Feb. 2, but Grover predicted six more weeks of winter last year.
"We were right," Kemmerling said.
Just before Grover's prediction Saturday morning, more than 100 people came out to the Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association's Maple Syrup Pancake Breakfast, according to Denise Donmoyer, association president.
As the crowd enjoyed flapjacks and sausage links at Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse, they were treated to music by The Blue Ridge Mountain Clan, a bluegrass band. Their members include Beverly Sarge, Pine Grove, Kenneth Trumbo and his wife, Beverly, Summit Station, and their cousin, Henry Trumbo.
"Today, we're 'The Groundhog Band,' " Beverly Sarge said.
Just before the 9 a.m. ceremony, Henry Trumbo called members of Grundsau Lodge up to sing Pennsylvania Dutch songs, including "O Fensa Maus."
"I'd like to thank everyone for coming out here to Sweet Arrow Lake today in 2013," Potts said at the start of the ceremony.
"2014!" people in the crowd shouted.
"Oh, yeah. I'm a year behind. You know it's going to take me a whole year to get ahead," Potts said.
Before unveiling Grover's prediction, members of the lodge recited the Pledge of Allegiance in both Pennsylvania Dutch and English.
"How many people here can speak Dutch or understand it?" Potts asked the crowd.
He saw a few hands go up.
"I'm glad to see that," Potts said.