Meet the Groundhogs of Lancaster County Predicting Our Spring

If you’ve ever wondered why people across the U.S. and Canada look to a groundhog every February 2, you’re in for a treat—because Lancaster County doesn’t just “celebrate” Groundhog’s Day. We commit to it. Lancaster County Groundhogs join 77 other active prognosticators who made a prediction in 2025: 65 in the USA, and 12 in Canada.

And if there’s one name you need to know in our corner of Pennsylvania, it’s Octoraro Orphie—Quarryville’s legendary, over-the-top, proudly local “true prognosticator” (unlike Phil… the poser).

History of Groundhog’s Day

Groundhog’s Day itself is an annual Feb. 2 tradition in the U.S. and Canada, rooted in European lore and carried forward here through Pennsylvania German traditions dating back to the 18th century. It’s the  “will winter quit already?” question we all ask this time of year.

Grundsau is the German word or PA Dutch word for Groundhog. To delve deeper into Grundsau history, read this excerpt from  BBC Article February 2 2025

“”The origins of Groundhog Day are fascinating,” says Mark Louden (University of Wisconsin-Madison). “It goes back to a pre-Christian tradition of looking forward to spring.” People would try to predict the arrival of spring by observing when ground-dwelling animals such as badgers emerge from hibernation. In northern European countries, these older traditions were then overlaid with the Christian holiday of Lichtmess (Candlemas) on 2 February, Louden says, which the Pennsylvania Dutch also celebrated. As a rural community, they also engaged in various other practices that honoured “the wisdom of nature”, Louden says, such as Braucherei, a kind of folk medicine.”

What is Candlemas you say? Candlemas celebrated February 2 as the day Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple.

Read More on Candlemas here

Meet Orphie: Quarryville’s “True Prognosticator”

Orphie isn’t your typical critter celebrity. He is stuffed, mounted, and wearing a little hat—and somehow that only makes him more Lancaster County. Orphie has been making predictions since 1908.

His big event is run by the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge of Quarryville, and yes, it’s every bit as theatrical as it sounds. The lodge gathers at their “Chateau in the Valley of White Rock” to kick off one of the quirkiest, most beloved local traditions around.

They even operate on Groundhog Standard Time, with Orphie’s prediction made at 7:13 AM. After that, there’s a parade—through a parking lot, marching toward the “Pinnacle of Prognostication”, which is a  white wooden manure spreader.

If you’re thinking, “You cannot be serious,” I promise you: this is Lancaster County. We are serious. And it’s glorious.

The Squads (Yes, Really)

Part of what makes the Orphie tradition feel like a full-on local legend is the cast of characters that comes with it – Puddle ducks, Pickles, and the Dunked squad.

It’s silly and specific and strangely heartwarming—like an inside joke the whole town is in on. And that’s kind of the point. It’s not just a prediction. It’s a community ritual.

Keeping the Groundhog’s Day Spirit

Now, Orphie may be the headline act in Quarryville lore, but Lancaster County’s “forecasting squad” is bigger than one groundhog.

Lancaster Newspapers rounded up five local prognosticators—including Orphie. 

That roundup is here: LancasterOnline: 5 Lancaster County groundhogs to predict early spring or longer winter.

Here’s the quick “Sensational Six” roll call (with times and places), so you can actually plan your morning:

• Octoraro Orphie:  7:13 AM (Groundhog Standard Time) at the “Chateau in the Valley of White Rock” near Kirkwood.
• Mount Joy Minnie: 7:00 AM at the Rotary Clock (intersection of Marietta Avenue and East Main Street) in Mount Joy.
• MT Parker: 7:00 AM at Stauffer Mansion, 1241 Lititz Pike, Lancaster (prediction at sunrise, approx. 7:12 AM).
• Elliott & Lilly:  9–11 AM at Conestoga House and Gardens; 5–8 PM at Tellus360 in Lancaster.
• Marietta Melvin(Apprentice) : the newest addition to our lineup, handled by Ross Moore. Melvin is currently in training with Mount Joy Minnie. Keep an eye on Marietta for 2027.

So whether you’re the kind of person who wants to be up at 7:00 AM (or earlier) living your best Groundhog life with Orphie, Mount Joy Minnie, or MT Parker OR you’d rather meet Elliott and Lilly and support Acorn Acres a little later, Lancaster County has your Groundhog Day plans covered.

Of course we have other popular ground hogs in the South Central PA area –

Click here to meet other South Central PA groundhogs and their activities.

Why This Matters to Our Community

You might be wondering why a REALTOR® is writing about Groundhog Day parties. Here’s the thing: when I help people find homes in Lancaster County, I’m not just selling them a house. I’m helping them join a community that celebrates groundhogs making weather and football predictions.

This is what makes Lancaster County special. We’ve got the perfect blend of rural charm and vibrant community events. We honor our agricultural heritage while creating new traditions. We support local organizations doing important work. And we know how to have fun while doing it.

Whether you’re searching for your first home, looking to downsize, or relocating to the area, events like these give you a taste of what life is really like here. This isn’t just a place to live, it’s a community to be part of. You can explore available homes on PropertySearch_JoyceHerr.com and get a feel for the neighborhoods where you’d be celebrating Groundhog Day with your new neighbors.

The Bigger Picture

Events like these remind me why I love living and working in Lancaster County. We’re a community that values tradition while embracing creativity. We celebrate our wildlife. We support local organizations. And we’re not afraid to let a groundhog predict the Super Bowl winner.

If you’re considering making Lancaster County your home, I’d love to help you find the perfect place to settle in. Check out my website at JoyceHerr.com for more information about living in this amazing community, or reach out directly to start your home search.

In the meantime, mark your calendar for February 2, 2026. Whether Orphie declares an early spring at 7:13 AM, or Elliott and Lilly steal the show later in the day, one thing’s for sure: Lancaster County knows how to keep a tradition alive.

See you around the county—and happy Groundhog Day!