Punxatawney, Pennsylvania's got nothing on this small town in Illinois!

Technically the real rodent that will be deciding the world's weather future, when he pops his head out on Groundhog Day, resides in Pennsylvania and is named Punxatawney Phil.

But in the world of movie make-believe, the real celebration will be taking place around the square in a small Illinois town on Thursday morning (2/2).

If you've seen the 1993 movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, then you likely already know it was filmed less than an hour from Rockford in Woodstock, Illinois.

 

From the Ned Ryerson interaction to the Groundhog Prognostication, the film's most iconic moments took place in the Woodstock town square park.

30th Anniversary of the Groundhog Day movie release

It will be an extra special celebration in Woodstock this year as the 30th anniversary of the movie's release is marked and will begin with the "welcoming of the groundhog" on Wednesday evening beginning at 6 pm.

Wednesday night at 7 pm they will host a screening of Groundhog Day at the Woodstock Theater in the Harold Ramis Auditorium for only $2.

Woodstock festivities on Groundhog Day Thursday (2/2)

According to the official Groundhog Days in Woodstock event schedule, the annual prognostication begins at 7 am with Woodstock Willie which will bring six more weeks of winter if he doesn't see his shadow.

A "drink to world peace" follows at 7:30 am and will roll right into the official groundhog day breakfast that goes until 9:30. Then it's a tour of the Groundhog Day movie sites throughout the town of Woodstock at 10 am.

Another screening of the movie will be offered at 12 noon, and that will be followed up with a visit from one of the film's writers Danny Rubin.

Groundhog Day wraps up having "Wine with Willie" from 5 to 8 pm at Stage Left Cafe on W. Calhoun Street.

The event is free and there's plenty of parking available, according to the official websiteCLICK HERE to see all the Woodstock Groundhog Day celebrations that will continue through this Sunday, February 5.

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