It's that time of year again where the furry prince of Wiarton emerges to give us hope of a shorter winter.
That's right, Wiarton Willie Fest is on this weekend in the town of Wiarton with dances, family-focused activities and events and of course the big reveal at 8:07 a.m. Sunday morning.
Expanding onto Berford Street to include local businesses this is the festivals 64th year.
The current Willie has only been on the throne since 2017, but South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson says that he has been on the money each year.
“He is always right with the prediction, it's whether or not I understand what he says,” Jackson says. “It's taken me a while to learn groundhog but I look forward to what he has to say on Sunday.”
Wee Willie, the understudy of the current serving Willie has not yet been found despite a $1,000 reward for anyone who locates an albino groundhog.
Jackson says that the reward for the furry forecaster is still on the table.
2021 will see be the 65th annual Wiarton Willie Festival and as Jackson hints, the plans are already underway for the milestone anniversary.
“We'll be looking to add all kinds of new events and attractions for 65,” Jackson says.
Willie will give his official prediction Sunday morning around 8.a.m.
A list of all events over the weekend can be found on the festival's website.