Check into Groundhog Day
Posted: Thursday 02 February, 2012
Erica Whiteman
Groundhog Day is an event celebrated across North America. The story goes that on this day, when the groundhog emerges from his burrow and he sees his shadow, he’ll retreat back into his home and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks. However, if it is cloudy day he’ll emerge from his burrow and we’ll have an early spring. The celebrations take place in a small town of Pennsylvania called Punxsutawney.
This year, the Groundhog Day celebrations are set to break records. Using social media, the Pennsylvania Tourist Board has turned what was a localized celebration into a global one. Using Foursquare, VisitPA.com have created an exclusive badge commemorating the special day. Last year, nearly 28,000 people unlocked the Goundhog Day 2011 badge, which is more than any other sponsored badge to date – according to Foursquare media relations. Since the announcement of this year’s badge, VisitPA’s Foursquare following has increased by over 1,200 more followers – including myself!
You don’t have to be in Pennsylvania to be a part of the Groundhog Day celebrations. Faraway fans of Punxsutawney Phil can join in by following @VisitPA on Foursquare, checking in anywhere and including the word ‘groundhog’ in the shout out. This will unlock the exclusive Groundhog Day 2012 badge, available 2nd of February only.
In addition to unlocking the Foursquare badge, there will be a live stream from Punxsutawney to see if Phil head back into his burrow, or decides if spring is indeed on its way. For more info, follow @VisitPA on Twitter. Here’s to you Punxsutawney Phil… let’s hope we have an early spring!
