With Groundhog Day just around the corner, this important question will fill your minds: Will there be six more weeks of winter? Like many who are hopeful, we are crossing our fingers that the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, does not see his shadow, which will indicate the early arrival of spring.
But to those from the small town of Woodstock, Groundhog Day means much more than a rodent seeing his shadow. It celebrates a time when the small charming town transformed into Punxsutawney in the filming of the movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray and Andie McDowell. From Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, you’re invited to come and celebrate Woodstock’s Groundhog Days. Here are some family-friendly events you won’t want to miss:
Storytime at Stage Left Café
When: Jan. 30 at 5 p.m.
Where: Stage Left Café, 125 W. Van Buren, Woodstock
Cost: Free
Warm up to these festivities with some fun groundhog stories.
Wakening of the Groundhog
When: Jan. 30 at 6 p.m.
Where: Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren, Woodstock
Cost: Free
At the Woodstock Opera House on the Square, meet Woodstock Willie—the official Groundhog Days mascot—and take a few photos with him. Then warm up with hot chocolate.
Breakfast with Willie’s Woodland Friends
When: Feb. 1 at 8 a.m.
Where: Flores Banquets, 240 North Throop Street, Woodstock
Cost: $12.00 adults, $6.00 kids ages 3-8
Smell that? It’s the smell of pancakes in the air. Munch on a few at Flores Banquets while you enjoy a live animal show.
Jim May’s Groundhog Tales
When: Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.
Where: Home State Bank, 124 Johnson Street, Woodstock
Cost: Free
Enjoy storytelling with Jim May, an award-winning storyteller and writer, at Home State Bank.
Groundhog Day Movie Showings
When: Feb. 1-2, 10 a.m.
Where: Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre, 209 Main Street, Woodstock
Cost: Free
Can’t get enough of watching the film that made Woodstock famous? Watch it again … and again … and again.
Walking Tour of Filming Sites
When: Feb. 1 at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 2 at noon
Where: Saturday tour meets at Moose Club, 406 Clay Street, Woodstock; Sunday tour meets at Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street, Woodstock
Cost: Free
Sure, the website has a digital walking tour you can follow, but how much more fun is a guided tour?
Groundhog Prognostication
When: Feb. 2 at 7 a.m.
Where: Woodstock Square
Cost: Free
Will the groundhog see his shadow or not? Relive the ceremony complete with polka music in the background.
Woodstock Willie’s Family Fun Day
When: Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Mixin Mingle, 124 Cass Street, Woodstock
Cost: Tickets are 2 for $1, activities are 1-4 tickets each
In addition to meeting Woodstock Willie, kids can play games, color, get crafty, take photos and more.
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