by David Chapman
Staff Writer
It was Groundhog Day all over again, but Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog who tells the weather future with his shadow, was nowhere to be found.
Instead, a group of over 400 people that included judges, politicians, lawyers and friends of the legal community gathered for a bash courtesy of Tritt & Franson Thursday evening at the attorneys’ Riverside office.
“This is our signature event and we love to do it,” said partner Arnold Tritt Jr. “I mean, no one ever does anything for Groundhog Day, so we said ‘Why not?’”
The lawyers who specialize in construction and real estate law host the event on the first Thursday after Groundhog Day, a weekday which Tritt said seems to be most convenient for attendees.
However, the weather has routinely put a damper on the celebration, which has been hit by massive rainstorms each of its three years, said Tritt Jr., meaning that the fabled Phil would not see his shadow and spring would still be many weeks away.
“Like clockwork every year,” said Tritt Jr. “It absolutely poured last year, but the rains can’t stop us from having a good time.”
To those who were enjoying themselves though, it didn’t matter what the season-forecasting rodent saw.
“It’s always a great time,” said Lynsey Merritt, of Tritt & Franson “Who cares what Punxsutawney sees?”
The theme was evident though, with bowls of nuts and cartoon-drawn groundhog fans spread out to the guests.
“It’s different,” said Edie Williams of State Farm Insurance, who donned a furry groundhog-like hat with eyes and a tail. “You never see one, really.”
For many of the attendees, it was the first of its kind.
“I’ve never been to a Groundhog Day party,” said Scott Merritt, Lynsey Merritt’s husband, “but I had a great time.”