Woodchuck Day

Below is Governor Jim Douglas' thoughts about the forecast for 12 more weeks of winter by the Vermont Woodchuck at this mornings event.
Vermont Governor Vetoes Punxsutawney Phil's Forecast Says Vermont Woodchucks Confirm 12 More Weeks of Winter Wonder
Vermonters Celebrate 'Woodchuck Day'
Montpelier, Vt.-Governor Jim Douglas today said his state is vetoing the findings of Punxsutawney Pennsylvania's most famous resident Punxsutawney Phil, an alleged "groundhog" masquerading as a meteorologist.
Reports from Pennsylvania suggest Phil has forecast an early spring, but Vermont begs to differ.
"First, everyone knows that 'groundhogs' are really woodchucks, so I don't know who Phil's fooling," the Governor said. "But more troubling is his prediction for an early spring.
"Our woodchucks know winter," Douglas continued. "And they've confirmed that it will last well into April. We've received a great deal of snow in the last few weeks, with more in the forecast. Now's the time to come on up and enjoy our legendary skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and the many inns, bed and breakfasts and resorts that make Vermont a winter wonderland."
In an elaborate ceremony hosted by The Radio Vermont Group this morning in Waterbury, Vermont, many of the state's woodchucks assembled to confirm winter, at least in Vermont, would last 12 more, snowy weeks.
Asked to comment on Vermont's celebration of Woodchuck Day, Punxsutawney's official Groundhog Day Coordinator Michelle Neal said, "We thought of it first, so Vermonters can bug off."
In a response typical of the state's well-known acerbic wit, Vermonters have designated an official reply to a "Happy Woodchuck Day" salutation. When wished a "Happy Woodchuck Day" Vermonters answer, "bug off."
Much like the Bill Murray gem 'Groundhog Day,' Vermont will be repeatedly waking up to prime winter weather well into April.
Punxsutawney Phil couldn't be reached for comment. However, several locals speaking on the condition of anonymity said, true to his squirrelly roots, he was last seen heading to the snow-covered mountains of Vermont on his snowmobile-packed with his skis, snowboard and snowshoes.
"Well, maybe he didn't see his shadow on Gobbler's Knob, but he's apparently on his way to Vermont to enjoy an extraordinary winter vacation," Governor Douglas said.