November 02, 2015
Pennsylvanians may remember an eerily realistic, nasally voiced mascot that graced their television sets for years before going into hibernation in 2012.
It's Gus, of course, the state's "second most famous groundhog" (behind Punxsutawney Phil) and spokesman for the Pennsylvania Lottery. Still not ringing a bell? Here's a refresher:
Well, after a "semi-retirement," Gus is back. State lottery officials announced Monday that the lovable (or incredibly irritating) and furry ad-rep has returned.
In a news release, the lottery announced that Gus would return as the mascot for the state's instant games after "popular demand" for him to come back, referencing his famous catch phrase "keep on scratching!"
Reaction on Twitter was mixed. Some were not thrilled:
AND they brought back Gus the Groundhog. I dislike that rodent
— Jack Redfern (@PhilEagFlySixer) November 1, 2015
I hate Gus the groundhog
— Corey Ann Clark (@coreyannclark) November 2, 2015
I thought Gus the Groundhog was gone. Nope there he is...the most annoying PA Lottery commercial ever...
— Chuck McDade (@Squarednbc10) November 2, 2015
Others were excited:
seeing Gus the groundhog back on lottery commercials is my guilty pleasure....get over it...he is better than... https://t.co/rBpcZBlUCD
— Rich Orth (@RichOrth1) November 1, 2015
Wow! In the most important revelation of the day, Gus the Groundhog is back on the #PALottery commercials ! Hooray! @AARPPA
— Ray Landis (@relandis) November 1, 2015
Ahh just saw that cute little Gus groundhog PA lottery commercial. Yesssss! I'm here for the holiday commercials.
— Andrea Michelle (@DreaTalksEagles) November 1, 2015
Ready or not, he's back, and he's already on Twitter himself:
WHAT'S UP GUYS #PAlottery #gusthegroundhog
— Gus the Groundhog (@StillScratching) November 2, 2015
