Celebrating Woodstock Groundhog Day with Woodstock Willie
Celebrating Woodstock Groundhog Day with Woodstock Willie
Celebrating 30 years since the making of “Groundhog Day the Movie” in Woodstock with a first-time trip to Woodstock’s Groundhog Day event seemed like a pretty good way to start the morning. Admittedly, I wasn’t entirely convinced that was going to be the case on the drive up in the snow. I was certainly in good company though as there were many other first-timers and many, many more regulars, who I imagine would have been there regardless of the weather. Richard Henzel, the voice of the main DJ from the movie was on hand to recreate the morning radio announcement from the movie. Fortunately, the weather didn’t recreate the blizzard scene from the movie.
Today’s prognostication was only one small part of the day. Not only were there additional festivities today, but today’s activities draw to close nearly a week of Groundhog Days events.
Top hats off to the official Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee and the many sponsors that have made this a festival of fun.
Of course, Woodstock Willie and the movie have firmly planted themselves into the fabric of Woodstock. Be sure, perhaps in warmer weather, to check out the Woodstock Mural & Sculpture Garden.
Now, Woodstock Willie claimed early spring…only time will tell.
Address: 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Willie is looking a little cold!Honoring 30 years since the day was honored with a movie!Tina and Joe from Star 105.5 entertaining while the press turns cameras to the growing crowd.Woodstock Willie’s ceremonial stump.Takes more than a little cold and snow to keep this group away.Anxious crowd gathering in the Woodstock Square.Honored to have Richard Henzel, one of the Groundhog Day the Movie DJs to recreate the moment live.Lights glowing against the snow…looking like more winter.Anticipation is building!Woodchuck-Chuckers with the “Pennsylvanian Hotel” in the background.Woodstock Opera House served as the Pennsylvanian Hotel for the movie.Woodstock Willie making his grand entrance…even the Mayor can’t compete today!Mayor Mike Turner reads the official groundhog day proclamation to announce Woodstock Willie’s prognostication…say that 5 times fast!Woodstock’s Groundhog Days sponsors for 2022.
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Did someone say early spring?!It’s official, Willie has spoken…Mayor Mike Turner announces an early spring!Double-check those photos everyone! Proof of early spring!Woodstock Willie and his handler Mark Szafarn.Everyone wants a selfie with Woodstock Willie.People lined up to see Woodstock Willie.A few seconds of fame with the stars of the show!Photo op with new Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner…it’s hard to compete with Woodstock Willie!Public House of Woodstock honoring Woodstock Willie.Warm up, get some breakfast, and drink to world peace at the Public House.Restaurants and shops opened to welcome Woodchuck-Chuckers.Shoppers in The Thoughtfullness Shop appreciating Groundhog Day shopping…and warmth.The clock may be wrong, but the temp isn’t…burrrr.Keeping the Real in Woodstock!
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.