Most Punxsutawney Phils statues displayed: PA city sets world record
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, United States--Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, United States, known worldwide for its fantastic Groundhog Day celebration, commissioned 32 larger-than-life Punxsutawney Phils to be painted by local artists and placed around town, thus setting the world record for the Most Punxsutawney Phils statues displayed, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
"The statues range from comical to serious, but each shows off an aspect of Punxsutawney’s heritage," the Uncovering PA reports.
"The Punxsutawney Phil statues are located all around the borough. Visit their website for information on the location of all 32."
Punxsutawney is a borough in the south of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States.
Punxsutawney is known for its Groundhog Day celebration each February 2, during which thousands of attendees and international media outlets visit the town for an annual weather prediction by the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil.
The borough, located 84 miles (135 km) northeast of Pittsburgh and 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Altoona, was incorporated in 1850.[5] With a population of 5,962 as of the 2010 census,Punxsutawney is the largest incorporated municipality in Jefferson County.
Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who is the central figure in the borough's annual Groundhog Day celebration. On February 2 each year, Punxsutawney holds a civic festival with music and food.
During the ceremony, which begins well before the winter sunrise, Phil emerges from his temporary home on Gobbler's Knob, located in a rural area about 2 miles (3 km) southeast of the town.
According to the tradition, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, he has predicted six more weeks of winter-like weather. If Phil does not see his shadow, he has predicted an "early spring."
Punxsutawney's event is the most famous of many Groundhog Day festivals held in the United States and Canada. The event formally began in 1887, although its roots go back even further.
The GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the Most statues raised to oneself was set by Joseph Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili, alias Stalin (1879-1953), the leader of the Soviet Union from 1924-53. It is estimated that at the time of his death there were c. 6000 statues to him throughout the USSR and in many cities in eastern Europe. The last statue of Stalin was demolished in 1992 in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS also recognized the world record for the most statues that have been raised to a religious figure; it is believed to be Buddha.
