Groundhog Days 2017

Woodstock Willie famously traverses the Square in the dead of winter, paying visits to businesses, landmarks and special events much to the delight of both children and grown-ups alike.

Our town celebrates Groundhog Day like no other. Twenty-five years ago Bill Murray famously filmed the movie Groundhog Day here. Every year Woodstock cherishes the ability to gather the community together in the dead of winter ~ and it has evolved into a weeklong celebration of sorts.

Woodstock Willie makes his grand appearance on February 1 amidst fireworks and applause. On February 2, there is a big congregation on the square to watch Woodstock Willie emerge from his tree stump and make a declaration about the status of winter. The mayor proudly declares the results after interpreting what Willie says. (For the first time in a while, we didn’t go ~ we were too busy recovering from skating for five hours on synthetic ice the night before. You can read about it here.)

One thing I do love about Groundhog Days is that you get to see neighbors and friends who may have been hibernating over the winter. Everyone is in a good mood because, unlike other holidays, Groundhog Days requires no gifts, no preparation and no added stress. It is about spending the week with Woodstock Willie, a chili cook-off, a walking tour of movie sites, storytelling, a talking banana and a community that embraces the wisdom of a furry rodent.

It is tradition to get your picture with Woodstock Willie -- you just have to do it!

The weekend always brings a session of storytelling by Jim May. May is an entertainer, educator and creative writer. He is fun for the kids as well as for adults.

Storyteller Jim May engages with the audience at Home State Bank.

A special instrument usually finds its way into one of May's stories.

May is always willing to personally autograph his books.

One of the most memorable portions of his storytelling is when he makes the infamous talking banana. The girls were able to assist in the creation of said talking banana.

Jim May creating his famous talking banana.

Final product: talking.

Home State Bank also lets the kids play a post office box game where they choose a P.O. Box number, find the box and then have the manager open the boxes with a special key. Inside are special Groundhog Day treasures!

My girls love to play the Post Office Box game at Home State Bank. It is such a fun experience for the kids who stop in!

We were too cold to go on the walking tour, but we did stop by Starbucks to grab a cake pop or two (Valentine’s Day, I know … I guess Starbucks isn’t into celebrating Woodstock Willie), and, of course, we visited our favorite bookstore, Read Between the Lynes to grab some reading material for the week!

A quick Valentine's ... er, Groundhog Day, treat!

Happy belated Groundhog Day, campers;)