As Punxsutawney Phil prepares for his annual Groundhog Day appearance in Western Pennsylvania, a new contender emerges in Lackawanna County. This unique event, initiated by Matt Catanzaro, aims to establish its own tradition with a twist: the starring role belongs to a ferret named Jessup Giuseppe.
“This was a dream not too long ago,” said Matt Catanzaro, founder and president of Jessup Groundhog Day. His aspiration to attend the renowned event in Punxsutawney never materialized, leading him to create a local celebration. “Then one day we said, ‘Why don’t we just do it ourselves?'”
Jessup Groundhog Day
The formation of the event began with Catanzaro enlisting the help of two local figures: Mike McAndrew, owner of Three Saints Barber Shop, and Jim Salus, a fellow bartender at Jak’s Pub & Eatery. Together, they laid the foundation for what promises to be a memorable community gathering.
McAndrew highlighted another reason for the event, noting, “One of the things that motivated us was that it just happens to be Jessup’s quincentennial. It’s our 150th anniversary. So this is the first community Jessup event of the year.”
Community engagement has been rapid, with businesses and a dozen additional founding members joining the cause. “There will be a ceremony of sorts where every founding father has a role,” Catanzaro added.
Station Park will host the event, offering food vendors, free hot chocolate from the Jessup 21st Century Club, and entertainment by Brass Storm, a five-piece band. Children will also receive free top hats. “It’s amazing the people of this town … and it’s an honor to be part of this,” Salus remarked.
Following the celebration, attendees can enjoy an afterparty at Jak’s Pub & Eatery and a second gathering at the St. Ubaldo Society Chapel. More details can be found on the Jessup Groundhog Day Facebook event page.
Who is Jessup Giuseppe?
While the iconic groundhog has been elusive, a serendipitous discovery led to the selection of a ferret as the event’s mascot. “The groundhog that lives under my porch has not been very cooperative,” McAndrew admitted. The search for a reliable animal led them to Giuseppe, a four-year-old ferret owned by Taylor Fetcho.
Giuseppe, described as bubbly and playful, is set to make his debut as Jessup’s meteorological oracle. “I’m sure he’s honored to be Jessup Giuseppe and to launch this tradition,” Fetcho expressed.
Peculiar Prognosticators
Jessup Giuseppe joins a lineup of unconventional forecasters from around the globe, including Waffles the Porcupine in Colorado and Juno the Polar Bear in Toronto. Each has inspired local celebrations that add a unique flair to the age-old tradition.
JESSUP GROUNDHOG DAY EVENTS
Sun., Feb. 1● Ceremony – 8 a.m.
Station Park, 103 Church St., Jessup● After party – 9 a.m.
Jak’s Pub & Eatery, 410 4th Ave., Jessup● After-after party – 1 p.m.
Saint Ubaldo Society Chapel, 310 3rd Ave., Jessup
According to Countdown to Groundhog Day, this event marks the first of its kind in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, and the only one with a ferret as the central figure.
The organizers hope the celebration will become a staple event, second only to St. Ubaldo Day. Interested individuals can connect with the team via their Facebook page.
“The world is a crazy place right now and I think we need a little bit of fun,” Catanzaro reflected. “And this is just good old fashioned fun, I think for years to come as well.”
