January 16, 2019

Celebrate Groundhog Day at family-friendly festival at wildlife refuge

Punxsutawney Phil's busy that day, but meet Tinicum Tim

By Sinead Cummings
PhillyVoice Staff

You've heard of Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, but have you heard of Tinicum Tim?

He lives a lot closer to Philly, at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, near the Philadelphia International Airport.

On Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, you can meet Tim at a family-friendly festival. The annual free event at the wildlife refuge usually draws hundreds.

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The day's activities include the morning "Groundhog Hike" at 9 a.m., followed by live music, games and crafts.

Throughout the day, there will be three interactive presentations, too. Attendees can learn about beekeeping, hang with live animals and meet a weather expert from the Franklin Institute.

At 12:30 p.m., everyone will make their way to the groundhog burrow to see Tim. At the burrow, there will be a 15-minute ceremony with a sing-along and rap to end the day's festivities.