WOODSTOCK (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Who needs Punxsutawney Phil when we have our own resident groundhog forecaster?
Today is Groundhog Day, which raises the all important question: Did the groundhog see his shadow? The answer, as according to the annual tradition celebrated in the United States and Canada, determines when spring will arrive.
Locally, in far northwest suburban Woodstock, the groundhog Woodstock Willie, unfortunately, saw its shadow this morning. That means six more weeks of winter, which is also in agreement with the national prediction made by Punxsutawney Phil.
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Groundhog Day’s American origins of course are in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and every February 2, the town takes center stage, holding a special ceremony with their local groundhog. But, for Woodstock, the day too has added significance.
The popular 1993 movie, “Groundhog Day”, starring Bill Murray, was filmed in the city and thus sparked an annual tradition. Each year thousands gather in McHenry County for the five-day Groundhog Days Festival, which began this morning with the Woodstock Willie prediction. This year’s festival includes walking tours of where they filmed the movie, a pub crawl, and screenings of the movie. Festivities will continue through Sunday, February 5.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of “Groundhog Day” and the film’s writer Danny Rubin was the guest of honor, reading the proclamation along with Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner.
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