Groundhog Day strikes again! Today (Feb 2, 2026) marks that quirky unofficial holiday where we all…read morepause for a moment to let a groundhog decide the fate of winter. According to Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous weather predicting groundhog in Pennsylvania, he saw his shadow this morning .... which traditionally means six more weeks of winter. Cue the collective sigh. For anyone unfamiliar with the rules: -Shadow spotted = winter hangs on a little longer -No shadow = early spring vibes Is it scientific? Not really. Is it oddly comforting and fun? Absolutely, well I think so.... Groundhog Day is one of those traditions that reminds you to laugh at the weather, lower your expectations just a bit, and maybe keep that coat handy a little longer. Winter isn't done with us yet....at least according to Phil.

"There is no way that this winter is *ever* going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his…read moreshadow. I don't see any other way out. He's got to be stopped. And I have to stop him." Frankly, Bill Murray, that's the only way to get the hell out of this polar vortex. I'm an animal lover, but the groundhog is really pushing his luck! BING! And that groundhog is NOT Punxsutawney Phil, as in the movie Groundhog Day, but rather, Woodstock Willie who emerged THE star of the village of Woodstock where the majority of the movie was filmed more than 20 years ago! Star or not, if you predict another 6 weeks of winter, expect to make enemies. Even so, Woodstock Willie is quite beloved here and the weekend of events surrounding Groundhog Days and celebrating this Bill Murray masterpiece, is proof of that. BING! This was my first year here during Groundhog Days. It was so fun! We had to get up at the crack of dawn of a bitterly freezing winter morning in the middle of the polar vortex to gather in the square, aka Gobbler's Knob, for the reenactment and prognostication of Woodstock Willie and the shadowy prediction of a short or long winter. BING! A live polka band plays that polka song over and over and over, and I love it. BING! There's basically a reenactment of the DJs radio schpeel, and then they recite the prognostication. BING! Then, there's a whole day of events (that actually began the day before) including a breakfast at the VFW, free screenings of the movie at the theater, and a free walking tour of the Groundhog Day movie sites, like the "doozey" of a puddle, locations of the diner, hotel and other settings from the movie. BING! I was so surprised how many people just fled after the prognostication. It went from a crowded village square to a ghost town in a matter of minutes! I assumed everyone would be milling about, but it was so cold, many people had come just for that event with their families and took off right after. Others took off to the event breakfast ($15 pp in 2014), some headed off to other eateries, and we went over to Ethereal Confections for my morning boozy drink. I sense a tradition forming. There's no better way to warm up than with a craft cocktail from EC, trust me on this. BING! "I like to say a prayer and drink to world peace." We followed this up with browsing in the artsy stores, and then headed to our breakfast at Le Petite Creperie, perfectly timed to coincide with the first showing of the day of the movie, so there was no wait for a table after the mass exodus. That breakfast was overpriced and mediocre unfortunately, but it was still a nice leisurely brunch, followed by more square exploration and finally sauntering into the next movie showing. How cool is it that they have multiple free showings of the Groundhog Day movie? BING! I'm a huge fan of this movie (in case you haven't picked up on that yet), it was awesome to see it on the big screen again, in the town it was brought to life. The previous day there was a showing with the film's screenwriter present which would've been awesome, I'm sure. There is such a love and appreciation for this movie, this town and THAT groundhog. It really draws me in and makes it so fun. Again, new traditions are forming. I can't imagine not doing this every year. After all, that's so in keeping with the movie's theme. BING! Get ready. "It's groundhog time."