A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be waked up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager’s ear that he saw his shadow and there will be an early spring. – Matthew Apgar/Shaw Media
Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow when brought out of his shelter, reluctantly staying put in front of a crowd of hundreds on the Historic Woodstock Square at 7:07 a.m. Tuesday, prognosticating an early spring, Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager announced to attendees.
The prediction was the culmination of Woodstock’s Groundhog Days festivities in a year they were modified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The groundhog’s forecast was celebrated by those gathered, including Madison and Josh Henderson, a couple who drove four hours from their home in Indiana to watch Woodstock Willie’s prognostication.
After a year of pandemic and social unrest, “we deserve an early spring,” Madison Henderson said.
The couple are Groundhog Day enthusiasts, having previously traveled to Pennsylvania to see Punxsutawney Phil’s prognostication in person. That groundhog saw his shadow Tuesday, predicting six more weeks of winter.
The couple arrived in the city Monday, enjoying a night out at several local bars downtown.
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