Will Woodstock Willie See His Shadow?: Groundhog Days

WOODSTOCK — Given what we’ve all experienced these past 11 months or so, we may relate more than ever to Bill Murray’s character, Phil, in the classic movie “Groundhog Day,” the creation of which turned Woodstock upside-down in the best of ways in 1992 as it was shot in and around the Woodstock Square.

Celebrating the film’s sweet, redemptive story; reliving the fun and excitement of the production of “Groundhog Day”; and reveling in the prospect of a no-shadow morning on Tuesday, Feb. 2 — heralding an early spring — are what Woodstock Groundhog Days are all about.

The Woodstock Groundhog Day Committee, Real Woodstock, the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit McHenry County invite everyone to join in the fun starting Friday, Jan. 29, and continuing through Groundhog Day, Tuesday, Feb. 2. Most events are free — and outdoors. Some traditionally indoor events, such as the official breakfast, movies, dinner dance and chili cook-off, are canceled this year to ward against spreading the coronavirus. Additionally, those attending outdoor events will be required to mask up and social distance.

A complete Woodstock Willie Covid Safety Plan is available here.

“I am happy we will be able to hold the main event, but with everyone wearing masks I will miss seeing all the smiling faces,” said Rick Bellairs, chairman of the Woodstock Groundhog Day committee, referring to Willie’s big spring-debut reveal. “It’s hard to believe it was just a year ago that Bill Murray was back in Woodstock and Groundhog Day was featured on the Super Bowl.”

The celebration starts Friday, Jan. 29, with the awakening of Woodstock Willie at 6 p.m., when the meteorologically minded rodent will make a brief appearance in front of the Woodstock Opera House.

Those who’ve relived the “Groundhog Day” experience a few times may want to test their trivia prowess against other fervent fans of the film. They’ll get their chance during Groundhog Day trivia at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, on the steps of the Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St. Don’t forget your booties, ’cuz it’s going to be cold out there!

The festivities continue Saturday, Jan. 30, with a cold-weather bags tournament that raises money for the Woodstock Food Pantry at Ortmann’s Red Iron Tavern. Cost to participate in the bags tournament is $30 per two-man team; $40 on the day of the tournament.

And if you’d like to walk in the footsteps of movie stars Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott and the rest of the tremendous cast and crew, you can. A terrific tour, including stops at Gobbler’s Knob, Bill Murray’s Puddle, Ned’s Corner and more, is yours for the taking. Check out https://visitmchenrycounty.visitwidget.com/tours/groundhog-day-walking-tour for a step-by-step guide to 15 spots featured prominently in the film.

There’s also a fantastic display of movie memorabilia available to view at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St. Check woodstockpubliclibrary.org or woodstockgroundhog.org for library and display hours.

And finally, early risers won’t want to miss the main event on Tuesday, Feb. 2. Celebrate Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob, aka the Woodstock Square park, where you can watch “Punxsutawney Phil,” aka Woodstock Willie, emerge from his tree trunk just as he did during the filming of the movie in 1992. Die Musikmeisters Band will warm up the crowd at 6:45 a.m.

The furry prognosticator will be wooed from his hiding place at 7 a.m. Many restaurants and businesses along the Square also are set to open early.

“This event is among the most enjoyable celebrations that McHenry County has to offer,” said Jaki Berggren, executive director of Visit McHenry County. “It’s a great opportunity to be outside, get some fresh air in the beautiful Woodstock Square, and join safely with others to hopefully herald an early spring.”

A complete itinerary listing location, time and date details for all Groundhog Days activities is available at www.WoodstockGroundhog.org. Or, for the very latest information, call the Groundhog Days Hotline at 815-334-2620.

For more information, call Visit McHenry County at 815-893-6280 or send an email to kristine@visitmchenrycounty.com.