Published February 12. 2025 04:34PM
Temperatures in the mid 20s didn’t prevent visitors from joining Haaptmann (president of Grundsau Lodsch 16) David Adam, to watch Groundhogs Jahde and Lee float down the Jordan Creek at Wehr’s Dam Park, South Whitehall Township, Feb. 2.
All were there to hear if Grundsau Lee would predict an early or late arriving spring in the northern hemisphere.
As it turned out, Lee predicted an early spring because he didn’t see his shadow.
This, however, disagreed with the prognostication of that other Pennsylvania Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil.
As Lee is the Lehigh Valley representative to the Groundhog fraternity, the belief is this area will indeed be blessed with an early spring.
In addition to the annual prediction, a new Grundsau was introduced this year.
“Freddie” was overseeing the creation of newly added “pop-up” groundhog gifts for children of all ages.
A pop-up groundhog is a picture of a groundhog on a Popsicle stick inside a paper cup.
A few dogs brought their humans along, as well this year, including first time visitors 2-year-old Leon, a Great Dane, owned by Kim and Don Cole, of North Whitehall.
RIGHT: Grundsau Lodsch 16 (Groundhog Lodge 16) members Chris Wartzenluft and Helmut Wicker see to the safe crossing of Grundsau Jahde and his nephew, Lee, on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. Their crossing was made easier due to a frozen Jordan Creek in South Whitehall.
Haaptmann David Adam listens as Grundsau Lee reveals he did not see his shadow, thereby predicting an early spring for the Lehigh Valley.
Grundsau Lodsch 16 Raatsmann (board member) Karl Haas shows the new pop-up groundhog gifts for children at the Groundhog Day program.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDIvy Maletsky, of North Whitehall, shows her pop-up groundhog at the annual Groundhog Day weather prediction program.
First time visitors to the Groundhog Day celebration at Wehr’s Dam are Kim and Don Cole, of North Whitehall and their 2-year-old Great Dane, Leon.
Brinley Garger, and her brother Brenton, visit with “Freddie,” the newest member of Grundsau Lodsch 16 during the Groundhog Day celebration. Their father is Greenawalds Fire Chief Andrew Garger.
