The first American Groundhog Day took place on Feb. 2, 1887

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Groundhog Day was first celebrated on Feb. 2, 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Members of the Elks Lodge went to nearby Gobbler’s Knob to consult a groundhog about the weather, it was their American take on a similar German ritual involving a badger.

The observance developed into an annual ceremony in the 1960s.

The groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil communicates his predictions to a group of men in formal suits and top hats.