The Fan Morning Show visits Punxsy after Groundhog Day discussion

GOBBLER’S KNOB — Following a discussion of what happens on Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pittsburgh’s The Fan Morning Show with Colin Dunlap, Chris Mack, Dorin Dickerson, Andrew Crowley and Colin Dunlap was invited by a member of the Inner Circle last summer to come to Punxsy on the big day.

Dunlap said after having run over a groundhog down in Pittsburgh, he commented on the show in August that he heard that Groundhog Day was some kind of a cult.

Dan McGinley, the vice president of the Groundhog Club, called in on the show to say that none of that was true and invite The Fan Morning Show to come and broadcast on Feb. 2.

Following the prognostication, McGinley went on the air with the morning show.

Dunlap said he couldn’t believe how big the crowd was for so early in the morning, despite the fact that it was freezing cold at the Knob.

“Its 10 or 12 degrees and the Groundhog Club was real pleased with how many people came out,” McGinley said. “It’s like this most years; unless it’s freezing rain, a lot of people usually come out especially on the weekends.”

Dickerson asked what everyone does following the proclamation.

“As soon as Phil gives his prediction, people really scatter, and many of them were out at 3 a.m.,” McGinley said, adding that often they go and purchase souvenirs, get something to eat or get on the school buses to head back to town to attend the many events that are going on.

Dunlap said in an interview off the air that there wasn’t one person they saw on Groundhog Day who wasn’t into the spirit and the fun of the event.

“That’s what Americana is all about; it’s a great event,” Dunlap said. “It can be tied into sports because it’s a communal thing for people to gather and come together, no matter what cause it is.”

Dunlap said he was surprised that gambling hasn’t yet entered into the big question: shadow or no shadow?

He said that they thoroughly enjoyed their visit and will try to come back again next year now the they know the ropes.

Photo by Larry McGuire/The Punxsutawney Spirit The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan accepted an invitation from the Groundhog Club to visit Punxsutawney Phil: (from left) Chris Mack, Dorin Dickerson, Adam Crowley and Colin Dunlap.