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The Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center · 201 North Findley Street · Punxsutawney, PA 15767 · (814) 938-1000 · info@weatherdiscovery.org
Recent News from the Weather CenterFairman, Ewing crowned 2008 "Lil’ Mr. and Miss GroundhogTuesday, February 5, 2008 Fairman, Ewing crowned 2008 Lil’ Mr. and Miss Groundhog Written by Jennifer Smith Tuesday, 05 February 2008 Inner Circle members John Griffiths (back left) and Ron Ploucha (back right) were on hand Saturday morning at the Punxsutawney Weather Center to name Lil’ Mr. and Miss Groundhog Garrett Fairman (left) and Madysen Ewing. (Photo by Jennifer Smith/The Punxsutawney Spirit) PUNXSUTAWNEY -- Punxsutawney Phil was not the only one in the spotlight for Groundhog Day 2008. During a ceremony held Saturday at the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, board member Amanda Hornack announced the winners of the Lil’ Mr. and Miss Groundhog contest: Garrett Fairman and Madysen Ewing. Fairman, the five-year-old son of Gary and Jennifer Fairman of Punxsutawney, attends kindergarten at SS.C.D. School. In his free-time, Fairman enjoys playing video games and sports. His parents confessed that their son is most excited about making his debut appearance as Lil’ Mr. Groundhog when he graces Mahoning Street during the annual Old Home Week Parade. Ewing, a member of the kindergarten class at Mapleview Elementary School, is the six-year-old daughter of Randy and Becky Petrini and Scott and Faleasha Dobbins, all of Punxsutawney. Her hobbies include playing Nintendo DS and swimming at the YMCA of Brookville. In fact, Ewing said that she hopes one day to become a lifeguard. According to her mother, upon learning of her win Thursday evening, Ewing was extremely happy. “I thought it was the best day ever,” she said. Inner Circle members John Griffiths and Ron Ploucha bestowed a black top hat and boutonniere to Fairman, and a crown and floral bouquet to Ewing. In addition to their year-long titles, both winners received U.S. savings bonds from First Commonwealth Bank. The winners were chosen by popular vote during a 10-day period at Caterina’s Dolce Cucina. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Weather Discovery Center. |