J.R. Johnson

In defense of Groundhog Day — America’s silliest holiday

As a kid growing up in Pennsylvania, there are a few state treasures you come to revere, like Tastykake’s Butterscotch Krimpets, a 64-pack of Crayola crayons with a sharpener on the back of the box, soft pretzels and Hershey’s chocolate. But no locally-produced treat could touch the majesty of the state’s ultimate icon: Punxsutawney Phil.

Happy Groundhog Day! This wacky holiday is good fun, but even our friendly neighborhood rodent doesn’t always know what the future will bring.

Whatever comes, let’s try to face it with a warm heart, constructive goals, and a sense of fun.

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