Community Corner

Groundhog Day is Feb. 2: How Many More Days of Winter?

Nearby Woodstock holds its own Groundhog Day events starring Woodstock Willie.

Out in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil steals the show on Feb. 2, but here in Illinois, Woodstock Willie is our number one guy. 

Feb. 2 marks Groundhog Day in America. It's believed that if it's cloudy when Phil emerges from his burrow, spring will come early. If it's sunny and he sees his shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks. 

Crowds come for hundreds of miles to witness the event each year. 

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If you want to join in on similar festivities, head to the far northwest suburbs to Woodstock where the movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed.

The community holds it's own annual event called Groundhog Days in Woodstock Square. The main event, the prognostication, will take place at 7 a.m. when a polka band will wake Woodstock Willie from his long winter's nap. 

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  • Woodstock's Groundhog Days Schedule of Events

Additonal events in Woodstock Feb. 2 include an official movie showing of "Groundhog Day", a walking tour of filming sites and a chili cook-off. 

Do you think Punxsutawney Phil and/or Woodstock Willie will see their shadows? Tell us in the comments section! 


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