It is one of only six non-island locations in the 48 contiguous states not directly connected to them by land, which are exclaves of the U.S. The original name of the town, Alburgh, was changed to Alburg in 1891 by recommendation of the United States Board on Geographic Names.
In 1997, there were 35,000 visitors in Punxsutawney, five times the Jefferson County town's 6,700 population. The Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 1992 were joined by Bill Murray studying for his role in the movie. Then, Columbia Pictures set out to recreate the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day down to the smallest detail. There were, however, many changes made.
A festival is held in the town of Wiarton in Bruce County, Ontario, to honor Groundhog Day. The town has its own groundhog, Wiarton Willie, which it shares with the nation. Locals, fans and news reporters come out to âhear Willieâs predictionâ early in the morning on February 2 each year.