February 1, 2013:

A blizzard began to blanket the beautiful city of Buffalo, NY. Four friends were sitting at a bar discussing bucket list ideas over a couple of pints. The idea of a middle of the night drive to Punxsutawney, PA became a reality as the friends began an adventure none would soon forget. They were…unimpressed, and in the car ride home the idea of Buffalo Groundhog Day was born. Seeing what was done in Pennsylvania, the friends knew they could create something bigger and better. The fine citizens of Buffalo, NY, fear no weather and have never met a party they didn’t like. It was obvious. It was time to bring a Groundhog Day celebration to the greatest city in the world, Buffalo NY.

Years later, people travel from Western New York, Southern Ontario, and Northern Pennsylvania to partake in what has become the area's premiere winter festival. What started out as a group of friends on a midnight road trip has grown to become the centerpiece of Buffalo’s annual Ice Festival. Why? Because Buffalo knows how to party and Buffalo knows how to EMBRACE WINTER.
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About The Organization

In 2013 Buffalo Groundhog Day Society Inc. was formed and certified as a not for profit agency in the State of New York. The organization works to raise money for local animals. Having donated over $30,000 to local animal organizations such as the Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo C.A.R.E.S animal shelter and Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, the Buffalo Groundhog Day Society continues to show their dedication to the furry citizens of Western NY. The goal is to provide Buffalo residents with an amazing winter festival, while also working to help local animals in need. 

Buffalo Groundhog Day Society has 501(c)3 status from the IRS, meaning all donations to our organization are tax deductible.

The Inner Circle

Adam "Thunder Snow" Hernandez
President
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Over the years Mr. Hernandez has emerged as the spokesperson for Buffalo Groundhog Day and a true advocate for Buffalo Mack. Mr. Hernandez believes that Buffalo Mack, without a shadow of a doubt, is the greatest weather predicting rodent in the United States today.

Pat "Permafrost" Meyers
Vice President
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A connoisseur of fine beer, Mr. Meyers is known mostly for helping Buffalo Mack choose which beers will be best for the hibernating months. Buffalo Mack tends to be picky about her beer selection, and with Mr. Meyers’ help he is always well prepared for Buffalo’s classically long, cold, winter months.

​Andrew "Climate Change" Kowalewski
Treasurer
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Mr. Kowalewski knows a thing or two about the all mighty dollar, and he is officially responsible for keeping track of all of your donations. With his help, Buffalo Groundhog Day has been able to donate thousands of dollars to the Buffalo Zoo.

Chris "Sleet" Flynn
​Vice President of Marketing/Social Media
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An avid note taker, Mr. Flynn is official “handler of the hog” and is responsible for looking after Buffalo Mack at all times. Mr. Flynn is the only member of the Inner Circle fluent in the “Groundhogese” language and therefore is the unofficial mouth piece for everyone’s favorite weatherhog.

Beth "Bomb Cyclone" Ceckowski
Sergeant At Arms

Ms. Ceckowski joined the group after years of volunteering and quickly whipped the group into shape. Since then she has been the driving force behind some of the group's best ideas while also helping Buffalo Mack during her first year of motherhood.

Jarod "Cumulonimbus" Miller
Animal Expert at Large

After the group realized they couldn't tell the difference between a male and female groundhog they decided it was time to recruit a TRUE animal expert. Mr. Miller has handled literally hundreds of marmots - Buffalo Mack and Buffalo Bert