Annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Movie's Release
By: Caryn Robbins Jan. 18, 2018
It's been 25 years since we were treated to Bill Murray's character, TV weatherman Phil Connors, reliving the same day over and over again in the comedy Groundhog Day. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the Harold Ramis film, which was shot in Woodstock, Illinois.
Woodstock's annual festival, Groundhog Days, begins the celebration with the Awakening of the Groundhog at 6:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, February 1, when Woodstock Willie makes an appearance on the balcony of the historic Woodstock Opera House.
Woodstock Willie's annual prediction about the likelihood of an early spring is Friday, February 2, with the Groundhog Day Prognostication at approximately 7:07 a.m. on the historic Woodstock Square. The celebration continues through the weekend with a range of activities both free and with admission.
"We have loved watching Groundhog Days grow from a small community event to this celebration that brings people from across the country to Woodstock, Illinois," says Bellairs. "It's been 25 years since the movie was released. Little did we know when the movie was shot here that it would have this lasting impact."
According to legend, if it's a cloudy day on February 2 when Woodstock Willie emerges from his den and does not see his shadow it indicates an early spring. If Woodstock Willie emerges and sees his shadow because it's sunny, he returns to his den andwintercontinues for another six weeks.
Last year, Woodstock Willie accurately predicted winter continuing another six weeks.
Specific times and locations for Groundhog Days events can be found online at http://www.WoodstockGroundhog.org.
Located 47 miles northwest of Chicago, Woodstock is close to the city with a charming small-town personality all its own. Rich with Victorian architecture, a historic town square that seems frozen in time, and a world-renowned Opera House, Woodstock has an independent streak brimming with creativity and entrepreneurship. Visitors can reach Woodstock and its many shops, restuarants, and Groundhog Days via the Metra line. If traveling by car, take the I-90 Tollway to Illinois Route 47.
Visit Real Woodstock for more information, http://www.realwoodstock.com. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram at @realwoodstockil.
SOURCE Real Woodstock
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