Groundhog predicts early spring

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STORY: Thousands of spectators gathered at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, early Saturday morning to watch Phil the Groundhog make his annual weather prediction.

Punxsutawney Phil is said to have the "mythical ability of forecasting either an early spring or a long winter," according to the Groundhog Club's website.

On stage, the members of the "Inner Circle of the Groundhog Club," a select group of men dressed in tuxedos and top hats who plan the Groundhog's Day event, watched the groundhog "look for his shadow."

The tradition is if Phil sees his shadow, he predicts six more weeks of winter. If there is no shadow though, he predicts an early spring.

This year, the groundhog's "protector" Bob Roberts read Phil's prediction.

"And so ye faithful, there is no shadow to see. An early spring for you and me," Roberts said.

Groundhog's Day takes place each year on February 2, and this year marked Punxsutawney Phil's 127th prognostication.