Groundhog Day Event Promises to Entertain

At 7 a.m., on Feb. 2, the by the adorable “Yahdee” will once again occur on the banks of the Jordan Creek at Wehr’s Dam in . This is a wonderful event that beckons back to the Pennsylvania Dutch culture of years gone by.

You don’t have to travel 230 miles or so to Punxsutawney, PA, and see that over-hyped “Phil” when we have the best prognosticator right here in South Whitehall named “Yahdee.”

I was genuinely disappointed that Mother Nature unleashed an ice storm that last year due to safety concerns. So I believe this year’s event will make up for last year with the best event to date. (The weather is supposed to be great, but bundle up!) As a regular attendee, this is one of many events during the year that I look forward to.

The singing of songs in Dutch dialect really adds to the atmosphere. In the past, words were provided so everyone could sing along. The announcement of the weather prediction for the next six weeks is obviously the highlight. “Yahdee” stars as the crowd silences to hear the handlers' words.

If you and/or your family have the ability to be at Wehr’s Dam at 7 a.m. on Thursday, I encourage you to attend; it is a fun and highly entertaining affair. Grundsau Lodge 16 organizes and hosts the event. The spirit level and enthusiasm are always high, and smiles abound since an early spring is on everyone’s wish list.

Sometimes it is nice to reflect on the simpler traditions of the past when today’s world seems so complicated and hurried. What is the future when you don’t remember or honor the past? While my heritage is not directly aligned with the Pennsylvania Dutch, I enjoy learning about and experiencing the traditions associated with the lineage. 

This is another event that makes South Whitehall special -- it's something that only South Whitehall can boast about!