Groundhog Day 2023 Woodstock, IL: 30 years after movie released, city celebrates holiday in finest fashion

WOODSTOCK, Ill. (WLS) — Another holiday is upon us — Groundhog Day.

It’s celebrated in the finest fashion in Woodstock.

The movie “Groundhog Day” hit the big screen 30 years ago. That iconic film was filmed in Woodstock, featuring Bill Murray.

And the city plans to celebrate all things groundhog Thursday, including visits from people who were part of making the movie and walking tours to see sites from the film. You can actually watch the film, too.

The celebration began Wednesday night, with the welcoming of the groundhog.

RELATED: ‘Groundhog Days’ festival returns to Woodstock to celebrate making of classic film

With almost two dozen events planned, the festival will continue through Sunday.

The prognostication ceremony with Woodstock Willie was the main event Thursday morning.

And he saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter.

Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania saw his shadow just before 6:30 a.m.

Melissa McMahon, with the Woodstock Groundhog Day Committee, joined ABC7 Chicago live Thursday to talk more about the festivities.

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner also thanked the volunteers who help make Groundhog Day so special.

Woodstock Groundhog Day Chairman Rick Bellairs talked about how “Groundhog Day” fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at the movie this week.

Bob Hudgins, locations manager for the “Groundhog Day” movie, said he never expected the film would have such popularity.

Copyright © 2023 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Drivers call for accountability after I-10 insurance headache

Drivers are demanding responsibility following issues with insurance on I-10

Hundreds of viewers told us their cars sustained damage on I-10 in…
Sage Steele sees backlash over photo with Donald Trump

Sage Steele faces criticism for taking a picture with Donald Trump

() Former ESPN host Sage Steele is firing back after critics slammed…
Suspects charged with killing Kansas women belonged to anti-government ‘God’s Misfit’s’ group, affidavit says

According to the affidavit, individuals accused of murdering Kansas women were part of an anti-government group called ‘God’s Misfits’.

The four suspects charged with killing Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley after…
Iran's attack on Israel shines spotlight on Tehran's advancing nuclear weapons program

Iran’s Aggression Triggers Concern Over Progression of Nuclear Weapons Program in Tehran

JERUSALEM — With all eyes focused on a brewing high-intensity war between…
Wisconsin Republican leaders ignore the governor's request to spend $125M to combat 'forever chemicals'

Wisconsin Republican leaders disregard governor’s plea to allocate $125M to address ‘forever chemicals’

Wisconsin Republicans on Tuesday planned to ignore the latest call from Democratic…
Should Donald Trump have been charged at all in hush money case?

Was it appropriate to bring charges against Donald Trump in the hush money case?

Jury selection started in Trump criminal hush money trial Florida attorney: Case…
Speaker Mike Johnson to force separate votes on Ukraine, Israel aid

Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, plans to call for two separate votes on aid packages for Ukraine and Israel.

House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, are set to advance three…
Maine targets Second Amendment with several gun safety bills after deadliest shooting in state's history

Maine introduces gun safety bills following state’s deadliest shooting incident to support the Second Amendment

Maine has the Second Amendment in its crosshairs as the state Legislature…