February 2, known by weather forecasters and some movie fans as “Groundhog Day,” returns every year.
Suppose, just suppose, as in the famed 1993 film, you magically get to repeat Feb. 2 after spending the whole day doing whatever you actually did on Feb. 2. Would you change anything? Think about it.
Many libraries have the movie and it can be found with a streaming service. A romcom directed and cowritten by Harold Ramis with Danny Rubin, it is worth watching.
Another good choice is to travel to Woodstock, a charming town northwest of Chicago, where it was filmed. Their groundhog, Woodstock Willie, predicts when Spring may come similarly to Punxsutawne Phil in Punxsutawne, PA. that “Groundhog Day” is supposed to be based on in the movie.
Both Groundhogs whisper their predictions to their handlers. But in Woodstock, IL You can tour the actual film sites and view the film in the local movie house.
Events surrounding the film start Feb. 1 but are celebrated with a redo of the weather predicting creatures on Feb 2.
For Woodstock info visit Woodstock/Groundhog Day. For Punxsutawney, Pa. see Punxsutawaney Club.
Groundhog Day is based on European folklore as to when to plant. For folklore and other info visit Farmer’s Almanac.
Ed Note: Unlike Groundhog Day, Feb. 29, popularly known by calendar keepers as “Leap Year Day,” doesn’t return every year. It only comes every four years. However, Leap Year Day is back this year, 2024.
Jodie Jacobs