Pennsylvania News You Can Use: Punxsutawney Phil's handler stepping down...
The Associated Press
PUNXSUTAWNEY -- Whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not on Groundhog Day, one thing's for sure: The man who has been the furry forecaster's official handler for the past 15 years will step down after this year.
"I could stay in forever, but even the Pony Express changed horses," said Bill Deeley.
Deeley, 56, said he doesn't have the energy and time to remain Phil's handler. Last summer, he estimated he was gone nine out of 10 weekends on handler duty.
"I've enjoyed it; it's been fun," he said. "I've met people I never would have gotten to know."
Deeley joined the Inner Circle -- the top-hat- and tuxedo-wearing men responsible for carrying on the tradition -- in 1986. That year, the town's festival drew about 1,200 people, Deeley estimated.
Back then, before the "Groundhog Day" movie starring Bill Murray, the event was more low key. Deeley showed up at Gobbler's Knob at 6 a.m. and could still make it to work by 8:30 a.m.
"Since then, we got the movie, and the weekend, and now it's a destination, and totally grew from there," Deeley said.
Last year, an estimated 15,000 people were on hand in Punxsutawney, a town of approximately 7,500 people about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
Deeley will enter emeritus status of the Inner Circle, which means he'll be able to take part in Inner Circle events, but he cannot hold office or vote.
