Yesterday was Groundhog day.Seems like a silly celebration really.All the commotion over a furry animal that supposedly predicts if it will be an early spring or not.
But in 1993 a film crew came to Woodstock Illinois to film the movie Groundhog day.And ever since they left this town has been celebrating groundhog day in a big way!
People anxiously awaiting the announcement.We arrived there bright and early in the morning.The temperature was 18.It was quite cold.
Bright and early all bundled up.
Not pictured here is a photo local paper took .
Can’t see my face but you can see me standing with a gold coat,sporting my camera and Jeanne Oliver camera bag you can see that if you visit HERE
This is where Scooter the groundhog makes his appearance.
Woodstock Willie get’s the crowd ready for the announcement.
The crowd is really starting to grow!
This gentleman is wearing a German dance attire.Baring his bare legs.Let me tell you my toes were frozen as my hands were too!
I can’t believe he had his legs and hands exposed!
Those are tough men!
I am a wimp!
There were people from all over the country and out of the country.Some came from Spain and Austria!
This is Richard Henzel he is the voice of the radio dj from the movie.Do you remember??Rise and shine campers…….
Scooter the groundhog is now making his prediction as the mayor listens.
And he makes his announcement scooter does not see his shadow so we will have an early spring!
This is the gazebo that Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell dance.
And in the background you see the “Hotel” that Andie stays in.But it is actually a opera house.
After the celebration we walked around the square and saw a local radio personality Lou Manfredini doing a live radio show in a local bar.
He decided to do a little pose for me when he saw my camera.
He really dressed up for the occasion! A tux and top hat!
While on our way home we drove past some of the homes that were used in the movie.
This is the piano teachers home from the movie.
This was the bed and breakfast Bill Murray stayed at.They just used the exterior for the movie.
At the time a family was living here.But today it is a bed and breakfast you can actually stay here now!
We made one more quick stop before going home.The local bakery was selling Groundhog day cookies.And we could not resist!
This does not look like a groundhog but it was really good!
When we came home my daughter wanted to go out and play in the snow it was her only time since we have hardly had any snow all winter.But this morning she woke up sick.I was planning on taking some photos of her new room.But that will have to wait until she is feeling better.
Today I am trying to catch up on my blog reading and emails.
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What a fun tradition and cute town.
Our country’s weather is so varied.
We just came back from a bike ride along the ocean, high surf, sun in the sky and people everywhere catching the sun before heading inside to watch Super Bowl commercials and eat…eat…eat.
Thanks for the view of another part of the US.
Oh I wish we lived somewhere warm like that! Hope you are having fun watching the game!
xx
Anne
I see I have always been confused as I thought it was also FILMED in Pucsatoni, Pennsylvania! (I murdered that spelling) Thanks for setting the record straight!
Your welcome! It does look like it was filmed there.But it was right here in Illinois!
xx
Anne
What a fun celebration! Cold, but fun!
XO,
Jane
Yes it was very cold but fun.
xx
Anne
Saw you freezing in the video! Looks like everybody had a good time in the picturesque village. Love the homes, B & B, and that gazebo is so pretty all lit up for the occasion!
Oh yes it was cold but fun!
xx
Anne
Such a pretty town and celebration! I hope your daughter is feeling better. Thanks for sharing this pretty post!
Thank you!
xx
Anne
LOL – we love that movie! Thanks for sharing photos of the town – I didn’t realize it was shot in IL.
It is a funny movie isn’t it!Yes I know it looks like it was somewhere else but it was filmed here.
xx
Anne
That’s one of my favourite movies!! Thanks for sharing all the photos, how cool to see all those spots again!
xox
We watch this movie every year.It is so funny and a bit inspirational too.
xx
Anne
You all look like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing the photos. Hope she feels better soon. Hugs
Yes we are crazy in Chicago LOL!
xx
Anne
Looks like fun, but very cold!! Last year at a park in St Charles we saw a groundhog and got quite close to it. It was very exciting!
I hope your daughter feels better soon. Bummer she dosn’t get to play in the snow. 🙁
Yes it was fun but cold.My daughter has been in bed all day.Hoping she will feel better in the morning.Oh I would be scared to see one so close!
xx
Anne
It sounds like a fun day. I hope your daughter is feeling better. I can’t wait to see her room.
Katie
Such a great movie! Love your photos:) I hope your daughter is feeling better soon. The flu has been horrible this year!
xxL
I remember seeing that movie! How lucky are you to get to go there in person?! That is the cutest town. It looked like you had a lot of fun despite the early hours and the cold. Our local groundhog forcasted 6 more weeks of winter! Hoping for snow. Haven’t seen any yet!
Anne,
How cute is this post. I did not realize that your cute town had the ground hog day celebration. That looks like a lot of fun. Glad he did not see his shadow so we get an early spring!!!!!!!!!! I want spring and summer!!!!!
Kris
Sounds like a lot of chilly fun. Thanks for taking us along. Hope your daughter is well soon.
this is such a great post, anne! hope your daughter feels better soon—a lot people are sick here, too:( let’s hope the groundhog is right —i’m so ready for spring!
Thank you Lyn!I am ready for spring too! My daughter is starting to feel better 🙂
xx
Anne
Oh, my goodness, Anne, what fun!! I love all the cute pictures you shared! Now, how neat is this that you all get to go to this event?!! I’m so glad you braved the cold so you could enjoy it and share it with us. I love seeing all the photos from bits of the movie! And, a groundhog cookie…Love it!! Such a fun post; I truly enjoyed it!! Hugs!!
Thank you Ann! It really is fun to go to.You sort of feel like you are in movie LOL!
xx
Anne
Ooh, I almost forgot…I’m so looking forward to seeing your daughter’s room makeover…sure hope she is feeling better!! 🙂
Thank you she is feeling much better 🙂
xx
Anne