A look back at Groundhog Day 2011: Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring

The groundhog has spoken.

The world's most famous groundhog predicted an early spring Wednesday before a smaller-than-usual crowd.

Punxsutawney Groundhog Club officials estimated Punxsutawney Phil's audience at between 5,000 to 7,000 people.

The celebration usually draws between 10,000 to 15,000 people when it is held on a weekday, officials said.

They attributed the size of the crowd to the icy weather.

Those who attended the celebration said it was cold and rainy, but it was worth it.

"It had a very collegiate feel," said Brian Vent, who is from St. Louis, Mo. and attended for the first time.

This year's prediction marked the 125th anniversary of the celebration.

It also marked the 16th time the groundhog has not seen his shadow.