I feel sorry for the Punxsutawney Groundhog. Dragged out of his nice warm burrow into the cold to have bright lights shined on him -- can't be a pleasant experience. But it's a tradition that brings in visitors from all over and is a major boost to this sleepy town's economy.
Funny thing is that whether he sees his shadow or not, his prediction is correct. Sees his shadow -- 6 more weeks of winter. But technically, by the calendar spring does come within 6 weeks of Groundhog Day. So he's correct. Doesn't see his shadow -- spring is just around the corner. A prediction sufficiently vague enough to be correct no matter what.
Yeah, it's silly, but the townspeople have fun with it. so what harm is there -- well, except to annoy the groundhog.