Woodstock Willie Makes 2016 Prediction

Photo caption: Photo from the 2015 prognostication ceremony in Woodstock Photo credit: Woodstock Groundhog Days Facebook page

Willie did not see his shadow during an annual prognostication ceremony at the Groundhog Days festival in Woodstock early Tuesday morning, according to the Daily Herald. People gather each year in Woodstock Square to hear Woodstock Willie’s prediction. The festival is held in commemoration of the 1992 filming of Groundhog Day in Woodstock.

Willie’s prediction Tuesday matches that of East Coast groundhog Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney Phil left his burrow in Punxsutawney, PA, and, like Willie, did not see his shadow.

Groundhog Day history tells us if the groundhog sees his shadow, he takes it as an omen of six more weeks of winter and returns to his hole. If he comes out of hibernation and it’s a cloudy day, there’s no shadow, and it means spring is coming early.

The Groundhog Days festival will continue today and throughout the week in Woodstock.

• GROUNDHOG DAYS: A look at events planned for upcoming days.
• YOUR CHICAGO-AREA FORECAST: Check the details on Patch