FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Feb. 2, 2009 Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
CONTACT: Michael Chapaloney
(717) 720-1301
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL SAYS IT’S NOT OVER – MORE WINTER TO ENJOY IN 2009
PUNXSUTAWNEY – The Groundhog Day forecast is in: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather. Thousands of visitors gathered in Punxsutawney, in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, to witness Phil’s annual prognostication.
“With Phil’s prediction of continued cold weather, Pennsylvania visitors can spend more time enjoying winter activities,” said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism in the Department of Community and Economic Development. “Winter months in Pennsylvania offer traditional outdoor fun like skiing, ice skating, snow tubing and snowshoeing, while also making indoor attractions like museums and art exhibits an inviting alternative.”
Here are a few examples of what Pennsylvania travelers can discover during these remaining six weeks of winter:
· Lincoln Bicentennial: David Wills House Grand Opening, Feb. 12-16, Gettysburg
In celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the David Wills House in Gettysburg will open to the public on Feb. 12 and feature seven galleries, including David Wills’ office and the President’s bedroom where Lincoln finished revising the Gettysburg Address. www.davidwillshouse.org
· Meet the Makers: Urban Tree Forge, Feb. 16, Pittsburgh
Known as the largest silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified museum in the country, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is hosting an event that transforms unwanted trees into unique masterpieces of furniture, sculpture and art right on the Museum’s exhibit floor. All of the pieces are created by John Metzler from trees that have been locally-sourced. www.pittsburghkids.org
· International Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, Feb. 21-28, Ridgway
Each year, hundreds of chainsaw carvers from across the country and the world gather in Ridgway to share their art and skill with the public and to raise money for charities. Celebrating its 10th year, this event in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds offers chainsaw competitions, safety classes, carving displays and much more. www.chainsawrendezvous.org
· Cezanne and Beyond at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Feb. 26-May 17
Escape the winter air with a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and explore the new “Cezanne and Beyond” exhibit. The show includes 60 paintings and drawings by Paul Cezanne, as well as other works from artists whom he influenced. www.philamuseum.org
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are uniquely Pennsylvania. For more information about Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, go to visitPa.com, or call (800) VISIT PA.
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