Yep...it's that time again. The city’s annual Groundhog Days.
The northern Illinois community square served as the focal point of the 90s movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. In the movie, Murray's character re-lives the same day over and over again.
Ever since then, residents and tourists congregate in the town square every year to re-live places made famous by the movie.
Organizer Rick Bellairs says most of the activities are free, including a Groundhog Day Dinner and Dance.
“Over the years, it’s kind of drifted away so much from being about the movie, but just getting out in the middle of winter. The holidays are behind us; spring is a long way off yet. It’s ‘get out in the middle of winter [and] have a little fun.’”
Events kick-off Thursday,with a Groundhog Prognostication Tuesday morning.
“It’s just fun to re-live it. I just heard from some people who were coming for the free showing of the movie this weekend because their father was one of the extras in the movie."
Bellairs was an extra himself and says he doesn’t mind planning events year after year.
