Published February 11. 2023 09:11AM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
Despite what Punxsutawney Phil predicted, the Lehigh Valley’s own Jahde and nephew Lee predicted an early spring on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, at Wehr’s Dam, South Whitehall.
A hearty group of supporters of the Pennsylvania German tradition met on the bank of Jordan Creek near Wehr’s Dam and Wehr Covered Bridge on a chilly morning with the temperature hovering in the 20s.
Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 Am Jahden (Groundhog Lodge 16 on the Jordan) Haaptmann (President) Dave Adam of Orefield led those in attendance in singing, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and listening to Lee predict the weather for the Lehigh Valley.
And, though it started as a bright morning, Lee did not see his shadow and predicted spring would arrive early in the Lehigh Valley.
Grundsau Lodsch Nu. 16 Am Jahden (Groundhog Lodge 16 on the Jordan) Haaptmann (President) Dave Adam listens as Lee predicts an early arrival of spring at the Groundhog Day celebration Feb. 2 at Wehr's Dam. PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
Bundled up against a cold wind and temperatures in the 20s, a heart group of visitors attended Groundhog Day at Wehr's Dam, South Whitehall, under the leadership of Haaptmann Dave Adam.
Kevin Klase, owner of Tall Timbers Nursery, South Whitehall, brought his grandson Braxley Reith, 4, to the Groundhog Day celebration.
Raatsmann (Councilman) Stan DeLong Jr. was on standby to help launch Jahde and Lee across the Jordan on Groundhog Day at Wehr's Dam. The raft, however, became stuck on ice requiring some intervention by DeLong.
Helmut Wicker, Raatsmann, Grundsau Lodge 16 and member Chris Wartzenluft bring Jahde and Lee across the Jordan Creek on Groundhog Day, at Wehr's Dam, South Whitehall Township.
Helmut Wicker and lodge member Chris Wartzenluft carry Jahde and Lee up the bank at the Jordan Creek.
Celebrating B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bear) day at Groundhog Day at Wehr Mill Park was Allentown resident Greg Hulak with “Booker T. Bear.”
