25 years later, 'Groundhog Day' still draws movie buffs to Woodstock
Ever since the 1993 comedy “Groundhog Day” was shot in Woodstock, the city has never been the same.
Every Feb. 2, the iconic downtown square fills will spectators who want to join in the fun of Groundhog Days, celebrating the holiday and the iconic movie about an egotistic weather forecaster (Bill Murray) trapped in a 24-hour time loop.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of “Groundhog Day” filming in Woodstock, and festivities will run Wednesday through Sunday with many events right on the square where Cass, Johnson, Van Buren and Benton Streets meet.
A Groundhog Days Committee made up of volunteers have worked hard to create a weekend that, uh, they promise won't be repeated.
“I was an extra in the movie when it filmed here,” said longtime resident and realtor Rick Bellairs, who serves on the committee. “At that time, I don't think any of us ever thought it would have this lasting life.”
The celebration seems to grow in popularity every year with people coming from all over the world to attend. Most are anxious to see the movie set locations.
Location manager Bob Hudgins, who worked with the late director Harold Ramis to secure Woodstock, will be leading walking tours around town. He'll share behind-the-scenes stories like when the groundhog bit Bill Murray.
Bellairs said the festivities will kick off at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, with the prognostication. That's when the town's groundhog, “Woodstock Willie” will either see his shadow or not. Following that will be a breakfast, a walking tour of movie locations, and at 10 a.m. the first of many free showings of the movie at the Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre, which has renamed its auditorium after Ramis.
“We wanted to do something to recognize him so we have a bronze plaque at the theater,” Bellairs said.
“Groundhog Day” is number 2 on the Rolling Stone Readers' Poll of all-time favorite Bill Murray movies. It's no wonder why hundreds, if not thousands, turn out for the event.
“Last year, we even had a couple who came from Florida to Groundhog Day, and renewed their vows with Woodstock Willie as the witness,” Bellairs said.
Even before the prognostication begins Thursday morning, folks can come out Wednesday night to the Woodstock Opera House to see Woodstock Willie peek his head over the balcony. Movie trivia games and hot chocolate will follow.
For memorabilia, attendees can visit the Woodstock Public Library to see props including trash cans with groundhog heads, and the digital clock seen flipping over every morning.
“The library has a permanent 'Groundhog Day' display there, but they pull out much more for this special event,” Bellairs said. “A lot of the extras and people involved with the movie will be around that day if people want to talk more about it.”
There's a dinner dance on Friday night at the Woodstock Moose Lodge where Murray's character was sold off in the bachelor auction scene.
New this year is a pub crawl which follows a chili-tasting event at the Moose Lodge. From 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday night, people can “crawl” into 10 different bars within walking distance around town. Two of them were part of the movie, including the Public House where Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell toasted to world peace. Fun drinks will be served at various bars with names like “The Doozy,” “Sweet Vermouth on the Rocks” and “Déjà Vu.”
You won't want to miss the Woodstock Willie's Family Fun Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at Mixin Mingle, 124 Cass St. where there will be a fun fair with games, face-painting, coloring and a planting project. It's a fundraiser for the Woodstock Wannabes 4H Club and Cloverbuds.
“Kids can dig in the dirt, decorate their cup and plant their own seed to take home,” said club leader Melissa McMahon. “We'll also have a few raffle items and visits from Willie himself throughout the day.”
Bellairs said all of the events are within a block or two if people want to come in by train, and there is free public parking on almost every side of the square. For the full list of events, visit woodstockgroundhog.org or call the Groundhog Days hotline at (815) 334-2620.
Woodstock Groundhog Days
<b>What:</b> Festival celebrating 25 years since “Groundhog Day” was filmed in the city
<b>When:</b> Festival opens 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, with storytime, followed by Awakening of the Groundhog, trivia game and beer tasting. Festival continues daily through Sunday with walking tours of film sites, movie showings, bowling, chili cook-off, Groundhog Tales with Jim May, dinner dance, bags tourney, pub crawl, Family Funday, pancake breakfast, choir concert.
<b>Woodstock Willie's prognostication:</b> 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2.
<b>Where:</b> Woodstock Square, where Cass, Johnson, Van Buren and Benton Streets meet.
<b>Details:</b> Visit <a href="http://www.woodstockgroundhog.org">www.woodstockgroundhog.org</a> for complete schedule.