Little Mr. and Ms. Groundhog crowned on Saturday
PUNXSUTAWNEY — This year’s Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog were crowned on Saturday morning at the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center.
Amanda Behrendt, education director at the Center, welcomed everyone to the crowning of the 2023 Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog.
“The board of the Weather Discovery Center wishes to thank the families and friends of our contestants who voted and contributed to our educational mission,” Behrendt said. “The monies will support our educational programs and events.”
Behrendt said they’d also like to thank Katie Laska for her outstanding support of this event and for hosting the voting in her restaurant.
“Finally, thank you to Beatty Jewelers for donating the beautiful tiara for Miss Groundhog and the Inner circle members of the Groundhog Club and Punxsutawney Phil for doing the honors today,” Behrendt said.
“Without further ado let me introduce ‘Big Chill’ Jason Grusky; Frostbite Josh Farcus and Punxsutawney Phil’s Handler rainmaker, A.J. Dereume.
Grusky said this year’s Little Mr. Groundhog is Jake Zimmerman, age 5, he is a student at Punxsutawney Area Elementary School.
“His parents are David and Megan Zimmerman,” Grusky said. “Congratulations Jake.”
Grusky said Little Miss Groundhog is Madelyn Toven, age 6, she is a student at Punxsutawney Area Elementary School.
“Her parents are Derek and Justine Toven,” Grusky said. “Congratulations Madelynn.”
Megan Zimmerman, Jake’s mother, said “I never told him until today, if I told him he would have to wear a suit he’d never do it.”
“We had some family members who voted for him with the money going to the Weather Center,” Megan said
Justine Toven, Madelynn’s mother, said, “We entered her as soon as we could and she was excited to be entered.”
“She was excited to come today, nervous but excited,” Justine said.