Potomac Phil steps out in DuPont Circle to make predictions about winter weather and bipartisanship in the weeks ahead. William Hicks/MNS
WASHINGTON — Despite overcast, rainy skies, Potomac Phil, the lesser known “close relative” of Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow Monday morning at a Dupont Circle ceremony, signaling six more weeks of winter. Being from Washington, the groundhog also made a political prediction — six more months of political gridlock.
“D.C. Groundhog Day is a total tribute to Punxsutawney Phil,” said the event’s organizer, Aaron DeNu. “We’re honoring the ritual and tradition of Groundhog Day here locally.”
Monday marks the fourth prediction by Potomac Phil and the fourth celebration held by DuPont Festival, a nonprofit event organizer. Attendees were treated to cookies, coffee and accordion music accompanied by groundhog related lyrics.
According to DeNu, the lifeless, taxidermied Potomac Phil has matching DNA with its Punxsutawney counterpart. The reason for Potomac Phil’s stiffness? The lack of a magic elixir that has allowed Punxsutawney Phil to live more than 125 years. “We are still working on the technology to reanimate [Potomac Phil],” said Will Stephens, vice president of the Dupont Festival. “Any given year he may come to life.”
Whatever the differences may be between the two groundhogs, they both predicted more cold weather and might even be right. Jason Samenow, weather editor at the Washington Post, said that meteorological models agree that chilly, wintery weather is expected in the next six weeks.
“It seems like he sees his shadow every year,” said Jean Mudrick, a volunteer at the event. “I guess we’re stuck with more winter.”
