There was much cause for celebration in Woodstock, Illinois Tuesday morning. The town's own groundhog Woodstock Willie emerged from his den and predicted an early spring. Hundreds of people braved the snow to sing rodent-themed songs and listen to a live polka band. Many of the revelers were locals, but some traveled from out of state to hear the prognostication.

"We've been planning this for years and years and years and we finally have, you know, why come up and see the movie location on any other day than groundhog day." says Travis Bell who drove all the way from Indianapolis.

A local Woodstock couple Tiffinni and Scott Commings were happy to hear Willie's prediction.

"I think it's a wonderful prediction. We're ready for spring." says Tiffinni.

"The earlier the better. I work at a golf course so better business for me." adds Scott.

The town has held the festival ever since Bill Murray's movie Groundhog Day was filmed there in 1992.