WOODSTOCK – In Woodstock, Illinois, there is more behind the groundhog than merely his shadow.
Although the town has annually celebrated its “Groundhog Days” event for the past two decades, this year means something more. To mark the 20th anniversary of filming the movie “Groundhog Day,” which took place in Woodstock, the week-long celebration, starting January 29, will be its biggest yet.
Woodstock Willie greets the crowd. (Photo provided)
According to Pam Moorehouse, who is the co-chair of the Groundhog Day Committee, many of the festival’s events relate directly to the film, whereas other happenings simply pay homage to groundhog lore.
“On February 1st, we have what we call the awakening of the groundhog, up above the bell tower where Bill Murray jumps [in the movie]. Right above the doorway to the opera house there is a balcony, and as the groundhog comes out, we light fireworks. It kind of heralds the beginning of the groundhog day events,” she said.
According to Moorehouse, also included in the celebratory schedule are the official breakfast at Pirro’s Restaurante, free showings of “Groundhog Day” at the Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theater, walking tours of the filming sites (led by Bob Hudgins, who was the location manager of the film), and the Chili Cook-off.
“This year we’ve expanded because it is the 20th anniversary of the filming,” she said.
Most importantly, however, is the quintessential Groundhog Day prognostication on February 2nd. During this event, groundhog Woodstock Willie predicts the upcoming seasonal climate, according to his shadow.
“Bright and early, at 7:07 a.m. to be exact, everyone gathers on the Woodstock square,” said Moorehouse.
Then, it is animal trainer Mark Szafran, from Animal Rentals Inc., who takes center stage.
“In the big gazebo, they set up the tree stump like in the movie,” Szafran said. “The whole Groundhog Day Committee is there. Then, they knock on the door of the stump, I open it, and I pull the groundhog out. The mayor reads the proclamation, and then everybody celebrates, depending on what the result is,” said Szafran, who has brought Woodstock its groundhog for the past fifteen years.
The prediction ceremony continues at Pirro’s Restaurante, according to Moorehouse.
“We have a polka band, which comes out every year. We sing a few groundhog songs, such as ‘Take Me Out to the Tree Stump.’ Everyone belts it out, and it’s a massive sing-a-long,” Moorehouse said.
Whereas the “Groundhog Day” film features Phil’s (Murray’s) tedious re-living of the same February holiday, Groundhog Day is not one that the Woodstock residents wish would come to an end. The renown and reputation of Woodstock’s “Groundhog Days” event has grown measurably since it began in 1995, when it only tallied twelve attendees. Now, however, the event has much higher acclaim.
“I think a lot of [the growth] has to do with the time of year. It sounds crazy because usually it is bitter cold, but there’s usually nothing going on, so people look forward to it. The whole filming experience was extremely positive for our community,” said Morehouse.
In fact, the prognostication, dinner dance, and dining often draw crowds of several hundred people, according to Groundhog Day Committee member Rick Bellairs, who said the event boasts guests from as far away as Australia.
“The event really does draw people from many areas. The movie has almost a cult following,” said Bellairs, who has been the coordinator of the Chili Cook-off for the past eight years. He was also cast as an extra in “Groundhog Day.”
“I was in the crowd scenes on the square for the filming of the prognostication. Also, when Bill Murray steals the groundhog and goes racing off to the square, I can spot myself for a fleeting moment. But don’t blink or you’ll miss me,” he said.
While the excitement for Woodstock’s groundhog gala appears unanimous, the wish for groundhog Willie’s forecast seems to be split.
Whereas Bellairs is “flexible either way” with the groundhog’s will, Szafran has a definite vote.
“I’d like six more weeks of winter. I’m a winter fan, and I love the cold,” he said, but only time will tell if his groundhog has the same appreciation for the arctic.
