Groundhog Day: Woodstock Willie predicts early spring

Annual festival celebrates Bill Murray's 'Groundhog Day' movie
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
WOODSTOCK, Ill. (WLS) -- It's Groundhog Day and that means excitement for Woodstock Willie's annual prediction.

The city has been celebrating the 1993 Bill Murray movie as they have done in previous years, but with some COVID-19 safety measures due to the pandemic.
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Tuesday morning, Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring. Punxsutawney Phil meanwhile did see his shadow, which means Phil is predicting six more weeks of winter.

WATCH: Woodstock Willie can't contain his excitement at seeing shadow on Groundhog Day 2017


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WATCH: Woodstock Willie can't contain excitement at seeing shadow


"This has been a doozy of a year so we are excited to bring some hope to the world by still hosting the prognostication in Woodstock. Woodstock Willie's prediction of an early spring, is something we all deserve. This and having a vaccine after a year that feels like a real life Groundhog Day, adds to the light at the end of the tunnel." said Danielle Gulli, president of Real Woodstock and Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Even behind their masks, you know everyone is smiling."

Groundhog Day wasn't the only thing worth celebrating.

'Biggest Fans' Of 'Groundhog Day' Get Engaged At Woodstock Fest


On Tuesday morning a man proposed to his girlfriend on the festival stage.



The couple traveled from Kentucky and claim to be the biggest Groundhog Day movie fans.
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