Bill Murray and the Puddle: Twenty Years Ago

From the Feb. 2nd Northwest Herald "Wild about the hog" by Jami Kunzer.

Hard to believe that it has now been 20 years since Bill Murray, playing the role of Pittsburgh meteorologist Phil Connor stepped into that puddle in the street in front of the movie's Tip Top Cafe, and did it several more times before he realized that he was in a loop and had to keep living Groundhog Day indefinitely.

That puddle is now plaqued, well, there is a plaque near the actual spot where bricks in the 1850s road were removed for the scene.  Until a few years ago, that is, when the town put up a garden at the spot. (I still think they should have built the garden around the spot.

But, people still visit the town square in Woodstock, Illinois, to see the movie sites.  Most every outside spot you see in the movie is around the square or the town.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the movie's filming, a five day celebration is under way.  I went to the second one, the groundhog prognostication yesterday and am getting ready to drive back for the Shake Off the Winter Blues Charity Dinner Dance at the Moose Lodge in Woodstock (where the Groundhog Day Dance and Bachelor Auction was held in the movie.  No, Bill Murray, nor his piano teacher, won't be there, but it will be fun anyway.

Of course, tomorrow is the big day with the movie showing, chili cook off, site walk and symposium.

Getting My GroundDog On.  --RoadDog