For most Groundhog Day is just a passing curiosity about weather or not the groundhog saw his shadow. But for the 10thyear a hearty group met on East Ave in Batavia for an outdoor party. “February needed some type of festival” said founder Don Chmielowiec. So 10 years ago he invited over a few friends to celebrate outside. Over the last ten years the weather has ranged from 55 degrees to 10 degrees and -30 degree wind-chill. Of course there was a blizzard one year and rain twice but the party is always outside and fighting the weather seems to be part of the fun. The partygoers stay warm with hearty dished kept warm in crockpots and locally made ciders. Punxsutawney PA may be the most famous Groundhog’ Day party but Batavia has it’s own too.
