Jessup Giuseppe’s Groundhog Day 2026 celebration
There’s a new magical ferret in town, and his name is Jessup Giuseppe.
On February 1st, 2026, one day before Groundhog Day 2026, several hundred people crowded into Station Park in Jessup, Pennsylvania, in single-digit weather, to witness Giuseppe’s inaugural prediction at 8 a.m.
Most of the crowd was comprised of citizens from Jessup, a borough a short half hour from the “city” of Wilkes-Barre, but there were visitors from other states, such as New Jersey (including the Countdown to Groundhog Day team), Virginia, and Florida.
After the introduction of the Jessup Groundhog Day Founding Fathers, who each had special roles in the ceremony, a number of speeches were given before Giuseppe was wheeled out in a barrel. After being freed from the barrel by a special key and encouragement from the crowd in the form of shouts of “Giuseppe!”, the ferret was introduced to the audience.
Giuseppe was then presented with green grapes and purple grapes and their associated scrolls. The green grapes indicated an “early spring” and the purple indicated a “long winter.” Guiseppe made his choice between the two sets of grapes, and the appropriate scroll was read to the crowd, indicating there would be an early spring. This declaration that was met generally by cheers from the audience.
To witness the entire ceremony, you can watch the video below.
Tags: ferret, groundhog day, groundhog day 2026, Jessup, Jessup Giuseppe, Jessup Groundhog Day, pennsylvania