FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2017
Media Contact:
Sarah Blackwell
cell: 315-225-0256
sarah@breaktheicemedia.com
Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter
The "Official Home of Winter" Celebrates Groundhog Day
Syracuse, N.Y.  -- Cheers erupted from the Visit Syracuse team and the city's newest resident, Winter, as Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow today to the sight of his shadow. According to legend, this means six more weeks of winter are expected, which is music to the ears of Syracuse, the "Official Home of Winter."

On Thursday, Feb. 2, the Visit Syracuse team journeyed to Gobbler's Knob, home of the famous groundhog, with signs supporting an extended winter in tow. Since the launch of its winter campaign in early January, the city has been promoting the fun activities associated with the snowy season, sparking tourism during the city's chilly months.

"We approve of Phil's prognostication and have renewed affection for the furry little rodent," exclaimed David Holder, president of Visit Syracuse. "Now that we have six more weeks of winter to enjoy - let's go out and celebrate. Hit the slopes, lace up the ice skates, rev up the snowmobile; Syracuse is the place to be and we encourage everyone to experience it!"  

Since 1886, Phil has predicted an extended winter over 100 times, according to The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club 's records.

For logos, images, and b-roll from Gobbler's Knob, visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/t67kd5dnr0w1ids/AAA0LuDWgGJNpB3Dwj53V-E-a?dl=0 . 
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About Visit Syracuse:
 
Visit Syracuse, Inc. is Onondaga County's official marketing organization for tourism related economic development; leading the production of over $863 million in direct visitor spending annually. As the oldest convention & visitors bureau in New York State, Visit Syracuse, Inc. aims to strengthen the positive awareness of the Greater Syracuse area as a winter destination that bundles up, shovels out and plunges in, once the snow starts. In fact, the Mandarin characters that make up the word "Syracuse", literally translate to "snow city." Syracuse is the snowiest big city (any population of 100,000 or more) in the United States; which is why Visit Syracuse trademarked Official Home of Winterâ„¢. For more information about the exciting activities we offer during winter and not-winter, view visitsyracuse.com .