The garden and façade of the Royal Victorian Manor stood in for the B&B in which Bill Murray woke up every morning.
also some special events and surprises. If you’re planning to visit, check out their website for specific days and times: woodstockgroundhog.org. You can also call their hotline number: 815-334-2620. Beyond GroundHog Day Although it did not make an appear- ance in Groundhog Day, on your stroll admire the black and gold ornate clock on the southeast corner of the square. Erected after the movie was shot, “it is part of the revitalization of the sidewalk and streetscape to enhance the down- town,” says John Scharres, managing director of the Woodstock Opera House. A new group, Woodstock Celebrates, has been formed to focus on the fascinat- ing history and characters who have left their imprints. For 2015, Woodstock Celebrates will focus on Orson Welles 100th birthday celebration with a film festival to be held May 6 through 9. In future years, the group plans to explore other famous Woodstock folks. Writing in 2005 about his original
review of Groundhog Day and his later thoughts, Roger Ebert (who died in 2013) admitted he underrated the movie in his original review. But, he notes, “There are a few films, and this is one of them, that burrow into our memories and become reference points. When you find yourself needing the phrase ‘This is like Groundhog Day ’ to explain how you feel, a movie has accomplished some- thing.” And then he upped the rating from 3 to 4 stars. As a result of the movie, millions of viewers have fallen in love with Woodstock and many travel from all over the world to see the places that paraded across the screen. And when they come, they also enjoy a small taste of one of America’s quintessential charm- ing towns. For more information about Woodstock, Illinois: www.woodstockil.gov
it before, with visitors from around the world wanting to experience a bit of the movie’s magic. the town has created its own fun version. Activities certainly center on February 2, but there are special events tak- ing place on the nearest weekend as well. It starts with the Awakening of the Groundhog when a mascot of Woodstock, Willie, appears on the bal- cony of the Opera House. Free Saturday and Sunday morning showings of the movie that started it all take place at the Woodstock Theater. Of course, there must be a prognostication event, and there is. A relative of the groundhog who appeared in the movie does his own prediction at 7 a.m., February 2. The fun rounds out with walking tours of the movie sites. “Saturday and Sunday about noon we have a walking tour around town with funny stories about making of the movie,” explains Rick Bellairs, a member of the Woodstock Groundhog Day Committee. Each year there are
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