The Press Cider and Craft Beverage Tap House in downtown State College is welcoming a high-profile guest this weekend.
Punxsutawney Phil, the world-famous groundhog, will visit the tap house at 113 Hiester Street from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday for a public meet-and-greet. Visitors will have the chance to take photos with Phil free of charge.
Kory Blose, co-owner of The Press said the visit was made possible through a personal connection. Fellow co-owner Andrew Divelbiss’ sister serves as executive director of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, the organization responsible for managing Phil and his public appearances.
“That’s the club that is basically responsible for Punxsutawney Phil and manages all his activities,” Blose said. “So that was a nice contact to have to say, ‘Hey, can Phil come down here?”
All of The Press’ owners were born and raised in Punxsutawney, making the event a homecoming of sorts. Blose said they wanted to share the tradition with the State College community.
“We just thought it’d be a great opportunity for all the people in State College,” he said. “It’s not a far way away, but it’s enough that maybe a lot of people haven’t made the trip. This is a good opportunity to share a show with the people of State College.”
During the event, the movie “Groundhog Day” will play in the background. The Press, which opened in October, will also offer free traditional Groundhog Day molasses cookies and tap a keg of Long Winter, a black lager from Punxsutawney’s Sandfly Brewing Company.
“Punxsutawney Phil is a symbol of Pennsylvania winter, small-town pride and a little bit of joyful magic,” Blose shared. “We grew up with this tradition, and we’re excited to share a real piece of Punxsy culture here in Happy Valley, especially for families who want a fun, easy winter outing.”
The Press serves as a taproom for Punx Cider Worx, a Punxsutawney-based cidery owned by three of The Press’ proprietors: Chase Carulli, Andrew Divelbiss and Morgan Divelbiss.
“We have nine ciders on tap, all made in Punxsutawney,” Blose said. “We just hope people come and have a good time and enjoy some of our cider.”
The event is open to the public and family-friendly.
