What made last year's Groundhog Day snowpocalypse even more memorable was seeing a national television legend right here in Peoria.
Willard Scott was in town last year for a Groundhog Day fundraiser at Wildlife Prairie State Park.
The bad weather forced us to move the event to our studio, but that didn't keep Willard Scott away.
Despite the wicked winds, the treacherous travel, and yes, all that snow, you could say Peoria left an positive impression on The Today Show legend.
Willard Scott has appeared in thousands of live shots over the years, but showing up on a police-escorted snowmobile. That was a first.
"I've never taken a snowmobile to a live shot," said Scott.
But desperate times call for desperate measures, and ever the good sport, Willard was game for anything fun.
"I love Peoria," said Scott. "I had a ball."
Willard Scott bonded with just about everyone from a baritone named Barry to Mr. Have-Yourself-a-Good-Morning Garry... to yes, the adorable groundhog... Gertie.
Willard's a smart guy. He made a complement before Gertie's prediction, and it must have done her little heart some good. She predicted an early Spring.
"It was a nice time," recalled Scott. "I had a good time and met a lot of really nice people and I'm not just saying that. I really mean it."
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