‘We believe in magic’: Woodstock Willie gives hope for an early spring

Woodstock Willie predicted an early spring Sunday morning, prompting cheers from thousands who gathered in the Woodstock Square before dawn to see what the furry prognosticator of seasons had to say on Groundhog Day.

Stephen Tobolowsky, who played Ned Ryerson in the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day and visited the far Northwest suburb this weekend for special appearances, shared Willie’s big reveal Sunday.

Tobolowsky also served as the starter of the first Groundhog Day 5K and hosted a meet-and-greet Saturday afternoon.

He addressed the crowd Sunday before the prognostication, saying the audience gathered because they have a good sense of humor, but also “we believe in magic.”

Among others on hand were Mayor Mike Turner, McHenry County Board Chair Mike Buehler and U.S. Rep. Bill Foster of Naperville.

The early spring prediction, as well as relatively mild weather and Groundhog Day landing on a weekend, made for an especially festive scene Sunday. Crowds were gleeful as Tobolowsky shared the prognostication, with cheers of “Thank you, Willie” heard.

Last year, Willie also predicted an early spring, a forecast that generally held up through the first day of spring but quickly came crashing down when the region experienced a late March snowstorm.

Willie’s prognostication was at odds with his Pennsylvania counterpart, Punxsutawney Phil, who predicted six more weeks of winter.

After the prognostication, Tobolowsky recalled some of his memories from filming, including the happiness of shooting the first scene. He said there was a sense of pride in being part of something life-affirming.

As for Willie’s prediction, he talked a little about the history of the tradition and said it was good that Willie didn’t see his shadow.

“I love the people,” Tobolowsky said, later calling Woodstock a “nice community.”

Tobolowsky’s wife, Ann, said the couple always enjoys coming to Woodstock. It was nice to see familiar faces and called the experience very magical, noting Woodstock even got a little snow overnight.

Parts of the Square were muddy Sunday morning but any snow that fell overnight had melted by midday.

Other festivities Sunday included a showing of “Groundhog Day” at the Woodstock Theater, known as the Alpine Theater in the film. Opera House/Pennsylvanian Hotel tours were also offered Sunday, as was a walking tour of film sites, which ended at the Cherry Tree Inn, known as the Cherry Street Inn in the film.