Nominations for Lil’ Mr., Miss Groundhog due today

January 20, 2011

Alex Roy (left) and Isabella Lester were named the 2010 “Lil’ Mister and Miss Groundhog” during a ceremony at the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center during Groundhog Day. (File photo by Tom Chapin)

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Today will conclude the submissions for this year’s Lil’ Mr. and Miss Groundhog. However, today is not too late to register.

To be nominated, the child must be a kindergarten student in the Punxsutawney Area School District, SS.C.D. or the Punxsutawney Christian School. Pictures of the child may be sent to the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center or dropped off during business hours, which are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

For a small cost, anyone can vote for these children, whether or not a resident of Punxsutawney. Votes may be sent to the Weather Discovery Center expressing for whom the vote is, along with the fee. However, anyone may call the Weather Discovery Center and vote using a debit or credit card as well.

All of the proceeds from Lil’ Mr. and Miss Groundhog will benefit the Weather Discovery Center.

Voting will be held from Monday through next Saturday.

The families of the children chosen as Lil’ Mr. and Miss Groundhog will be notified before Groundhog Day, and the crowning will take place at the Weather Discovery Center at 11 a.m. Feb. 2.

The selected Lil’ Mr. and Miss Groundhog will ride in the Old Home Week and the Home for the Holidays parades. In addition, the winners will receive savings bonds.