Famous albino groundhog Wiarton Willie has declared an early spring is on the way.
In the United States, Groundhog Punxatawny Phil also predicted a shorter winter.
Willie whispered his prediction into the ear of South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson, “He didn't see his shadow but what a beautiful day; I mean the snow is falling and there's was a huge crowd here and i I think everybody had a good time,” says Jackson.
Premier Doug Ford made his second visit to the festival and was proud to say he is the only Premier to do so, “It's important to get out here to the rural areas and meet the people,” says Ford.
He did admit that only Mayor Janice Jackson can speak “ground-hog-ese, “The mayor (Janice Jackson) is the only one that understands the language and we're just here having fun.”
Plenty of public officials were at today's festivities at the Wiarton Arena including Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff and MPP Bill Walker, Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot and Greg Nadjiwon, Chief of Neyaashiinigmiing.
This year the festival is expanding onto Berford Street to include local businesses.
The current Willie has been on the throne since 2017, but South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson says he has been on the money each year.
“Willie is great,” says Jackson, adding “we're buddies”.
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 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,” says Jackson.
Other Willie events today:
Pancake Breakfast until 8 a.m. at the Wiarton Arena
8:00 Mixed curling bonspiel at Wiarton Curling Club
9:00 Dan the Music Man – Wiarton Arena
9:45 Groundhog Jog at Peninsula Shores District School
10:00 Zoo To You – Wiarton Arena
10:00 Dockside Willie's Warming station – Bluewater Park
A list of all events over the weekend can be found on the festival's website.
Well folks, my prediction is #official. With cloudy skies and snow falling upon us this morning in #Wiarton it was very hard to find my shadow – even with all the camera lights around! Fans of spring rejoice, an #EarlySpring is around the corner. #WiartonWillie #Wiarton pic.twitter.com/VEohypsXuU
— Wiarton Willie (@willieofficial) February 2, 2020
Early spring predicted by @willieofficial. Great turnout for the @WiartonWillie Festival. Special thanks to all the organizers, volunteers and sponsors @SunwingVacay & @Bruce_Power for making it a huge success. #GroundhogDay2020 #Wiarton pic.twitter.com/J7Md7yHlnf
— Alex Ruff (@AlexRuff17) February 2, 2020
Had a great time at the Wiarton Groundhog Day festivities with @billwalkermpp! I’m happy to report that @officialwillie predicted that spring will come early this year pic.twitter.com/Cuhw8Qchuz
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) February 2, 2020