Jan. 29, 2009

Get out there and play

 

The question on everyone’s mind right now has nothing to do with politics or the economy. Right now, it’s all about the weather. More specifically, people want to know whether that cute, fuzzy groundhog will see his shadow. According to legend, if the groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; no shadow means spring is just around the corner.

In honor of little furry prognosticators everywhere (groundhogs, that is), head to Woodstock for a Groundhog Day celebration your kids won’t soon forget, at least not until next winter. The Woodstock Groundhog Day celebration features two free screenings of the movie“Groundhog Day,” much of which was filmed in that city.

The“Groundhog Day” movie screenings are Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Classic Cinemas Woodstock, located at 209 Main St., Woodstock. The PG movie stars Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.

If your family is looking for more groundhog activities on Saturday, listen to Groundhog Tales at Home State Bank, a Chili Cook-Off and wood carving demonstrations. Walking tours are available both Saturday and Sunday, and you can visit sites where the movie was filmed. The weekend’s festivities round out when Woodstock’s own resident groundhog looks for its shadow at 7:07 a.m. Monday to prognosticate how many weeks of winter remain.

All Woodstock Groundhog Day events are free. Free parking is available. For more Groundhog Days information, call (815) 338-2436 or visit woodstockilchamber.com. For more movie information, visit classiccinemas.com.

Brookfield Zoo’s very own fuzzy forecasters, Cloudy and Tumbleweed, will make their predictions at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Children’s Zoo, coaxed out by a carrot-shaped sweet potato cake. Generally groundhogs are hibernating this time of year. If the groundhogs are still hibernating, head over to the Children’s Zoo’s Big Barn to see the zoo’s indoor groundhog, Stormy.

After the prediction of an early spring—we’re being positively optimistic—join in on the Groundhog Day Parade to celebrate. Groundhog-themed crafts and activities are available in the Children’s Zoo until 3 p.m.

Brookfield Zoo is located at First Avenue between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. Groundhog Day activities and admission to the Children’s Zoo and Hamill Family Play Zoo are free with general admission, , kids 3-11 and seniors. Parking is . For more information, call (708) 688-8000 or visit CZS.org.

Photo courtsey of the Brookfield Zoo.

Get your tickets here

 

Can you win tickets to“Bob the Builder, Live!”? Yes you can! Four lucky Chicago Parent readers will win family four-packs to see“Bob the Builder, Live! Spud’s Big Mess,” Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. For more information, visit thechicagotheatre.com. To win, visit our discussion board.

Sweet prize

 

Win your next movie night’s special feature,“The Secret Life of Bees” on DVD. Five lucky Chicago Parent readers will win the DVD, rated PG-13 for thematic material and some violence. To win, visit our discussion board.

Get out there and play some more

 

Your family is closing in on semi-pro status when it comes to building snowmen—at least in your heart. Find a few more ideas this weekend at The Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition.

Twenty-eight state and high school snow-sculpting teams are hard at work forming their snowy masterpieces from giant blocks of snow through 10 a.m. Saturday, when judging begins. Awards will be handed out at 1 p.m. at the maintenance building. The teams are spaced along the park’s one-mile route. In the evening, the sculptures are lit.

The Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition is held at Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford, through Saturday. The park is open throughout the event and admission is free. For a schedule of events and more information, call (815) 987-8800 or visit snowsculpting.org.

Piece of the prize

 

This week, two lucky Chicago Parent readers will win a CLIPO Creativity Table. The table is recommended for kids 18 months and up and retails for .99. For more information, visit HasbroToyShop.com. To win, visit our discussion board.

 

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