WOODSTOCK (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The groundhog Woodstock Willie says spring will come early.
Today is Groundhog Day, which raises the all important question: Did the groundhog see its shadow? The answer, as according to the annual tradition celebrated in the United States and Canada, determines when spring will arrive.
Who needs Punxsutawney Phil when Illinois has their own resident groundhog forecaster?
Locally, in far northwest suburban Woodstock, the groundhog Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow this morning, which means there will be an early spring.
The proclamation was made by legendary WGN-TV meteorologist Tom Skilling who will be retiring at the end of the month.
Out on the east coast, Punxsutawney Phil’s national prediction matched Woodstock Willie’s.
Groundhog Day’s American origins of course are in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and every Feb. 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 four-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, a dinner dance and screenings of the movie. Festivities will continue through Sunday, Feb. 4.
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