It was a cold and blustery morning on Skyline Drive as “Miss” Patty Pagoda made her way out to the balcony of the historic landmark to make her proclamation. In its 15th year, the annual tradition at the Pagoda hosted residents, community leaders and the media.
“This all started hundreds of years ago as Candlemas Day. This is the mid point of Winter, people would bring their candles to Church so clergy could bless them for the rest of the season” said Mike Reinert, President of nonprofit, Pagoda/Skyline Inc. “Tradition held that the weather on Candlemas Day foreshadowed the rest of the season.”
Although it was chilly, the weather didn’t stop a crowd of 30+ people from visiting the Pagoda. Miss Patty Pagoda proclaimed…
“SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER”
Yes, Reading’s own groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter. Of course, the Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, made his own prediction, calling for an early Spring.
“This Winter hasn’t been so bad, we can take six more weeks of this right?” said Reinert after Patty made her prediction. “By the way, the calendar says we’ll have six more weeks of winter anyway. Spring begins early this year because of the leap year. Spring begins March 19th, just 45 more days.”
Following ceremony, guest were invited inside the Pagoda to take pictures with Patty, warm up with hot chocolate, and eat groundhog shaped sugar cookies.