We do Groundhog Day(s) here!

Chili cook-off location

It is that time of year again when my small town awakens in the middle of winter. Everyone who is anyone in Woodstock is out and about, early in the dark of morning. The gazebo in the middle of the square is bathed in the yellow-white glow of Christmas lights and vintage street lamps.

For my children, February means one thing: Groundhog Day(s)!

Jim May, professional storyteller

You read that right – we don’t merely do this one thing on February second. No. We celebrate for a week.  Our very own Woodstock Willie hangs around at all the local establishments throughout the fest. Storyteller Jim May shares not only wisdom about the groundhog, but also local folklore. A chili cook-off celebrates the camaraderie of our community.

The Woodstock Square was the site of Harold Ramis’ Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell ever so long ago. And every February 2, our historic town recreates the iconic prognostication scene – at 7:07 a.m.

There is a walking tour of the filming sites, there are news crews, there is an accordion band and, of course, there is a real groundhog.

Just a normal scene during Groundhog Days

Much more important than the actual prognostication, however, is the exchanging of pleasantries about town with people who might as well have hibernated along with Woodstock Willie over the past several months. The shops on the square open early to accommodate the crowd. Little children visit the bookstore and the coffee shop before school. Moms and Dads have gotten up ridiculously early to get a good parking spot with their little ones all bundled up. Groundhog Day enthusiasts vie for a close-up with the groundhog. And, as with the lighting of the square, there is an entire community indulgently singing groundhog tunes accompanied by a polka band.

Happy Groundhog Days – and smile a little brighter for the days are growing longer, and the time to emerge from the darkness of winter is fast approaching.

The Prognostication -- 2016, Woodstock Willie did NOT see his shadow!

If you are anyone who is anyone, you really must get a photo with Woodstock Willie once the sun comes up!

And this is a groundhog!

Official Groundhog Days song sheet