Woodstock Willie predicts an early spring in front of thousands gathered on the Square for Groundhog Day

Woodstock Willie, in formalwear, revs up the crowd on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 2025, in Woodstock ahead of his animal counterpart's spring prediction.

Woodstock Willie predicted an early spring Sunday morning in Woodstock Square, prompting cheers from thousands who gathered 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,” came back this weekend for special appearances and 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 at Read Between the Lynes.

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

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

Crowds gather early on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 2025., in Woodstock ahead of the groundhog's spring prediction.

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 after that as McHenry County 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 from filming 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 enjoy coming to Woodstock.

She said it was nice to see familiar faces and said it was very magical, noting Woodstock got a little snow.

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

Ann Tobolowsky said she felt lucky she got to tag along.

Other festivities Sunday included a showing of the movie 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; it ended at the Cherry Tree Inn, which was the Cherry Street Inn in the film.

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