The idea for this article came when some friends drove up from Houston, Texas, and stopped in Gettysburg on their way to Punxsutawney. They had wanted to experience Groundhog Day after seeing the movie, and put it on their bucket list. The film, produced 33 years ago, still holds a lasting legacy for this unique celebration. What we didn’t know was how the film made a lasting economic impact on two towns in two different states.
The first official Groundhog Day took place on Feb. 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania at Gobbler’s Knob as a means of predicting the beginning of spring weather, grew out of the German and Christian customs of Pennsylvania in the 18th century. The town had always experienced a positive local economic impact with the event, but it was the film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray that made Punxsutawney, along with Woodstock, Illinois, where the film was actually shot, a national and international destination.
Woodstock was chosen for the filming of Groundhog Day because it had a town square that reflected the quintessential American town, and was located close to Chicago, the home base of the film’s director, Harold Ramis. The production built a pavilion, an exact replica of the original, and brought in Punxsutawney officials as advisers to ensure the ceremony was portrayed accurately.
Roscoe Telford, city manager of Woodstock said, “Since the filming in 1992, Groundhog Day has become an integral part of Woodstock’s identity, bringing a unique cultural and economic influence to our city. The film’s legacy continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, with tourism significantly increasing around our annual Groundhog Day celebrations. Fans from all over the country, and even internationally, visit our historic downtown to experience the iconic filming locations firsthand. Economically, the film has had a lasting effect, benefiting our local businesses, restaurants and hotels. The continued interest has allowed us to expand tourism-driven initiatives, supporting Woodstock’s vibrant arts, entertainment and hospitality sectors. Moreover, the movie has instilled a deep sense of pride among our residents.”
He went on to say, “Woodstock’s charming character and welcoming spirit were beautifully captured on screen, and now we have embraced our role as the real-life home of Groundhog Day, using it as a platform to showcase our community’s rich history, culture and warmth. Ultimately, Groundhog Day has done more than just bring visitors to our city—it has strengthened our community’s identity and highlighted the enduring charm of Woodstock. We take great pride in being part of cinematic history and cherish the connections we’ve built with fans, visitors and filmmakers alike. In fact, via a community effort, a mural paying tribute to Woodstock’s role in the movies and theater was completed in 2017 with one panel devoted to Groundhog Day.”
Punxsutawney’s City Manager, Dr. William Spencer, gave his thoughts on how the movie Groundhog Day has impacted their town and economy through the eyes of a borough manager. “For those of us who were born and raised in this area, we already know the importance that day brings to not only the economy, but also to that of our neighboring communities as well. However, I think the single day stands on its own merit and what I really feel compelled to talk about is the ‘364 days of Phil.’ Those 364 days are for the little children whose parents bring them here to play in front of Phil’s burrow; to the motorcycle clubs who travel across the country to visit our famous little town; to the bucket listers who want to check off one more accomplishment; to the ‘Phantastic Phil’ statue finders; to even those who decide to stop on a whim as they are traveling through. We love them as much as we do the tens of thousands who make the trek on the magical day of February 2nd. And while those people are so special to us, the leadership of Punxsutawney has not lost sight of our beloved citizens.
“Sometimes in all the celebrations and excitement of the big day, the voices of the town get lost in that commotion. As such, we recognize Punxsutawney is a storied community with a golden opportunity to provide the citizens here with lifestyle choices to pursue a high quality of life for all generations. Leveraging one of the greatest assets, which is the extremely engaged residents and volunteer-based community organizations, along with a little help from our most famous citizen, ‘Punxsy Phil,’ we honor our past, treasure the present and will fight for tomorrow to shape Punxsutawney’s future for all to enjoy.”
Even though the movie was not made in Punxsutawney, Pa., they made sure to honor the ceremony exactly how you would experience it in person.
It was beautifully depicted and followed the original 1887 town’s custom. ‘Punxsy Phil’ is alive and well and continues to draw thousands every year to this iconic town, and if you want to step off the curb into a deep puddle of water as Bill Murray did in the movie, you can still do it, in Woodstock, Ill.
Gettysburg Film Commission, bringing film to Adams County, see’s the incredible potential of film and their lasting benefits. We are grateful for the opportunity to be your hometown film commission.
Bo Brinkman, a writer, director and actor, is the president and director of the Gettysburg Film Commission (GFM). Contact the commission through Kristin@GettysburgFilmCommission.org. The website is gettysburgfilmcommission.org.
