What? Celebrating the groundhog? Yes, there was a wonderful Pennsylvania German (Dutch) celebration especially for youth on Saturday, Jan. 31, sponsored by the Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The event was Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge (Groundhog Lodge for Youth) which carries on the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Groundhog Lodges that began many years ago.
This 7th annual event was held at the Zion UMC Church of Iona in Lebanon for youth ages 5-12, but everyone was welcome.
Everyone had fun while learning about Groundhog Day and the PA German language and culture. Approximately 40 people attended, including 18 youth. There was no cost for the event, however donations were accepted.
The Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf’s Groundhog Lodge for Youth event included Pin-the-Tail on the Groundhog on Jan. 31. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub)
If you like surprises, yes, there were special groundhog guests which were highlights of the event!
Betsy Shank, director and founder of Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation in Millersville, was the main speaker. She brought with her two live groundhogs, Elliot and his little sister Lilly, who serve as ambassadors at Acorn Acres.
The event began with a presentation by Betsy about the rehabilitation of wildlife at her facility and then an explanation about the life of groundhogs. At the end of the event, a photo session was available for attendees to be photographed with Elliot and Lilly.
Attendees meet Elliot and Lilly, the ambassador groundhogs from Acorn Acres, during the Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf’s Groundhog Lodge for Youth event on Jan. 31. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub)
There were four groundhog centers positioned around the room at which the youth could participate: Groundhog Beanbag Toss, Word Match using PA German words with many different themes, Speaking PA German with Grundsau Lodsch members, and Pin the Tail on the Groundhog.
The Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf’s Groundhog Lodge for Youth event included the Groundhog Beanbag Toss on Jan. 31. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub)
Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf co-chair Warren Wenger, of Groundhog Lodge #12, helped participants to speak PA German at the Groundhog Lodge for Youth event on Jan. 31. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub)
Gryffyn Spayd and Oliver Spayd complete PA German word match games with Jan Heagy at the Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf’s Groundhog Lodge for Youth event on Jan. 31. (Photo courtesy of Mary Laub)
In addition, there were Schpass Babiere (Fun Sheets) with Groundhog Day themes and a special Rock and Learn Pennsylvania German DVD, which played continuously to facilitate learning PA German words. Each youth received a paper groundhog at the centers which were turned in for an official Groundhog Day badge.
Light refreshments were available throughout the event, such as Die Grundsau Kichlin (groundhog cookies) and Die Grundsau Pudding (groundhog pudding).
As part of the event, Les Noll served as the Town Crier and rang a bell to announce when it was time to transition from one event to another. He was dressed in the traditional garb of an old-time farmer.
As part of the traditional Grundsau Lodsch festivities, a Verbinneri (oath of membership) was included. The Verbinneri requires all participants of the Lodsch to stand with their hands posed like a groundhog and recite an oath. To honor that tradition, the attendees posed like a groundhog and recited an oath. In doing so they became honorary members of a Grundsau Lodsch!
The Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf has as its mission to preserve the PA German heritage, language and culture. The Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge event provided that opportunity. It’s vital to continue programs like these so this information can be passed along to future generations.
The time and effort expended to plan and organize the event was well worth it! The organizers are already planning to hold an event in 2027. See the Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf Facebook page for updates.
The PA German Zammelaaf will sponsor its next event open to the public on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p. m. at the Zion UMC Church of Iona, 1920 So. Fifth Ave., Lebanon. The free event will include the internationally known band Shooflies, speakers, children’s activities, crafts, artists, food, history, and language.
Mary Laub, of Maxatawny, is the author of the “On the Farm” series written in Pa Dutch with phonetic spelling and English translation. She contributes Something Dutch columns to the Berks weeklies.