There are many new events planned for the Wiarton Willie Festival.
A news conference was held yesterday at the Wiarton legion to highlight this year’s Festival.
The biggest change this year is the first day of the festival — as it will be held on February 1st with a variety show at Peninsula Shores School.
Festivities will continue until February 7th, whether Willie predicts six more weeks of winter or not.
The Groundhog Day prediction ceremony takes place at 7 AM on February 2nd at Bluewater Park — which is also a new venue.
A moonlight parade, Tommy Gilham concert, and fireworks are planned for that evening.
South Bruce Peninsula Festival and Events Coordinator Shane Sargent says new features have been added this year.
They include a heated entertainment stage and tent, and a snow carving and ice carving competition.
Friday, February 5th is a P-A Day for local schools, and two youth dances have been scheduled for then.
New Events on the weekend of February 6th and 7th include a wine tasting, and an outdoor showing of the movie Groundhog Day at Bluewater Park.
South Bruce Peninsula Councillor Mark Wunderlich feels the changes made to the festival are terrific.
He says the committee council, Sargant, and Economic Development Officer Danielle Mulasmajic deserve to be congratulated for efforts to open up the event to more visitors.
Wiarton is also attempting to replicate Port Dover’s famous Friday the 13th motorcycle events, only with snowmobiles instead.
Bruce County Tourism Manager Chris Hughes says Ride the Willie — which takes place on February 2nd — is the first international snowmobile rally to be held in Wiarton.
He wants snowmobilers from all over Ontario, Michigan, and Quebec to show up and put some pressure on Willie to see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter.
Hughes says the event is part of the county’s effort to promote the area as a good place for snowmobilers to visit.
The Wiarton Willie Festival has received over 130 thousand dollars in support from the Ontario government and other sources.