020221 WS Groundhog Days Prognostication (MA)

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A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

Danielle Zapchenk and daughter Edie, 11, both of Huntley, dance to the music of Die Miesters around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Woodstock Willie arrives at the gazebo for the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Mayor Brian Sager listens closely as handler Mark Szaran helps Woodstock Willie whisper in Sager's ear during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Mayor Brian Sager announces to the crowd that Woodstock Willie woke up and did not see his shadow, symbolizing an early spring, during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock.

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Mayor Brian Sager announces to the crowd that Woodstock Willie woke up and did not see his shadow, symbolizing an early spring, during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Die Miesters accordian player Jim Merola performs with the band in the gazebo during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Die Miesters accordian player Jim Merola performs with the band in the gazebo during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he saw did not see shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Craig Krandel speaks to attendees during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Rick Bellairs speaks to attendees during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Mayor Brian Sager waits to announce Woodstock Willie's forecast during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

Mayor Brian Sager waits to announce Woodstock Willie's forecast during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

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Anna Chedgy of Wauconda snuggles up closely with Anthony Beach of Lakemoor as they watch the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

Mayor Brian Sager announces Woodstock Willie's forecast during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

A large crowd gathers around the gazebo in the Woodstock Square to witness the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

Mayor Brian Sager announces Woodstock Willie's forecast during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

Mayor Brian Sager announces Woodstock Willie's forecast during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

Mayor Brian Sager announces Woodstock Willie's forecast during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

Handler Mark Szaran holds Woodstock Willie after predicting an early spring during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he saw his shadow and there will be an early spring.

hnews_0202_Groundhog_Prognostication

Mayor Brian Sager announces Woodstock Willie's forecast during the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Prognostication on the historic Woodstock Square on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021in Woodstock. Despite an initial struggle to be woken up and greet a crowd of over 200, Woodstock Willie, handled by Mark Szaran of Chicago, whispered in Mayor Brian Sager's ear that he did not see his shadow and there will be an early spring.