This Groundhog Day, Woodstock Willie offered a hopeful forecast by not seeing his shadow, indicating an early arrival of spring. This prediction stands in stark contrast to Punxsutawney Phil’s, who saw his shadow and forecasted another six weeks of winter in Pennsylvania.
According to tradition, when these ceremonial groundhogs make their appearances, their shadow sighting signifies six more weeks of harsh weather, leading them to retreat back into their burrows. Conversely, if they don’t see their shadow, it suggests an early spring, prompting them to stay above ground.
The spirit of the day has gained a unique flavor in Woodstock since the release of the 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” which, although set in Punxsutawney, was filmed in Woodstock. The festivities have since evolved to include Woodstock Willie, who has been making predictions annually since 1997, aside from the year 2011 when a significant blizzard led to the cancellation of the ceremony.
Rick Bellairs, chairman of the Woodstock Groundhog Days, expressed delight over this year’s prediction. “I was really happy,” he remarked, reflecting on the harsh weather conditions experienced recently, including wind chills reaching minus-20. “I’m ready for spring.”
This year’s celebrations also featured a special guest, Stephen Tobolowsky, known for his role as Ned Ryerson in the classic film. Tobolowsky, who has made numerous returns to Woodstock for the event, received a key to the city from Mayor Mike Turner. Bellairs mentioned, “Stephen’s a special guy… He loves seeing all the fans and the meaning of the movie and what it’s meant to them.”
Remarkably, the enthusiasm for the Groundhog Day festivities continues to transcend generations, as adult fans who weren’t even born at the time of the movie’s release are now eager to participate and visit filming locations. This enduring interest showcases the lasting impact of the film and the community spirit surrounding Woodstock’s unique celebration.