Social media fanatics don’t have to see Punxsutawney Phil’s prognostication live to snag location-based service FourSquare’s latest badge. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, users checking in anywhere in the world by badge by following visitPA on Foursquare and using the word “Groundhog” can snag the inaugural PA Groundhog Day badge on February 2.
Pennsylvania became the first state to partner with Foursquare last May by populating the network with more than 200 state tourism attractions and creating three custom badges: “PA Shooflyer” (dining), “PA Retail Polka” (shopping), and “PA 4 Score & 7” (history). Since the launch, visitPA has amassed more than 30,000 followers and has awarded more than 12,000 badges.
In a tradition dating to the 1800s, Groundhog Day is celebrated each Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, Jefferson County, about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh in the Pennsylvania Wilds. According to folklore, if the groundhog emerges in the early morning and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of wintry weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
A Webcast of the Groundhog Day festivities will be available, including links to Punxsutawney Phil-related videos on YouTube.
Here’s to hoping for spring’s prompt arrival!