Willie Went Hog Wild Despite the Weather

Woodstock Willie, a very large groundhog known for his weather prognostications concerning spring, couldn’t be deterred by a blizzard or subzero temperatures in his effort to raise funds for homeless veterans. He was the star of Go Hog Wild, an event that netted hundreds for Transitional Living Services, a Woodstock-based group that operates programs that help struggling veterans regain their footing in society.

Willie, the mascot for Woodstock’s annual Groundhog Days festival, greeted guests on the showroom floor of the Woodstock Harley Davidson dealership. The event was scheduled for Feb. 1 as part of the six-day celebration but was postponed by a blizzard. It was rescheduled to Feb. 9, what turned out to be the coldest day in 10 years.

Regardless, a good time was had by all, including Willie who posed for photos with guests and on motorcycles. (See Willie to the right or below with TLS executive director Alan Belcher and Donna Besler of the Woodstock Intersquare Committee that organizes Groundhog Days’ activities; and again on a motorcycle with Bresler looking on.) TLS thanks the Harley staff and the Intersquare folks for making the evening possible as well as those who donated items to the Go Hog Wild silent auction, Donors include: Karl Jung Woodstock Harley Davidson Dan McGrath Guido Giammattei George Mathes Robin Pendergrast John Hackett NLD Landscaping Designs by Maida, Inc. Read Between the Lynes Swanky Spa too Purse ‘n’ all Dennis Olcott Clint Zimmerman Lisa McDermott Woodstock Chiropractic Center, P.C. Blossom Shop Woodstock Groundhog Day Committee Biaggi’s, Algonquin 1776 Restaurant, Crystal Lake Cardinal Fitness, Woodstock Gay Belcher Olive Garden, McHenry Woodstock Opera House Bear Hugs of Chicagoland One Zero Charlie, Woodstock Broken Oar, North Barrrington

Woodtock Willie with Alan and Donna Woodstock Willie on Harley

Gratitude also goes to Jaci’s Cookies for its donation to the TLS cause based on cookies sales during the festival. Jaci says Willie’s favorite cookie is called a “cowboy cookie.” It is made with oatmeal, peanuts, pecans, chocolate, butterscotch, coconut and raisins.

Finally, TLS staff has heard reports from Go Hog Wild attendees that Willie conveyed to them in groundhogese that there will be an early spring. We’re hoping Willie is right.