Bruce County

WIARTON -- Spring is going to come early says Wiarton Willie. The famous white groundhog peeked his head out early. February 2 and didn't see his shadow.

According to the legend, that means less than six weeks left of winter. That may come as good news to those who have had enough of the cold, white season.

In the small town of Wiarton on the Bruce Peninsula the first weekend of February is an annual celebration. People travel miles to take in the largest Groundhog Festival in North America.

Last weekend was no different as the tiny town grew in population and hosted a parade, dances, meals, fireworks and many more special events.

The party started January 30 with the crowning of the Senior Groundhog King and Queen. It carried on for three more days with a hockey tournament, curling bonspiel, darts, snowmobile poker rally, children's shows, horsedrawn wagon ,rides and an Old Tyme Jamboree.

The highlight of the festival came at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, which is known across the world as Groundhog Day. "Wake up Willie" fireworks were set off on the high school soccer field and then at a few minutes post 8:00 a.m., Willie made his prediction — Early Spring!

The tradition of Wiarton Willie has been going on since 1956. It started as a small local gathering. Now, years later, organizers get calls from around the world wanting to know what Willie has predicted.

The Wiarton festival is run by the Wiarton & District Lions Club, but is supported by business, service clubs, the Town of Wiarton, the Wiarton Junior C Hockey Team, the Wiarton Curling Club and hundreds of volunteers.

People now go away and plan for the early spring activities while Willie settles back down to normal life, out of the spotlight for another year. He lives with Sam and Jenny Brouwer at Wiarton Wilie's Motel, where he accepts visitors all year long.

One of the many traditions of the Annual Wiarton Lions' Groundhog Festival is the "Wake Up Willie" on Friday night. Local people gatherand read songs, stories, and poems they have written about Wiarton Willie. Below is part of the story written and read this year by Cheryl Craig of Wiarton. This was the second year in a row Cheryl read a story at the party.

"Welcome to the Wiarton Groundhog Festival! Willie and his weather prediction is an annual event. He forecasts whether we will have an early spring or a long winter. If he sees his shadow, six more weeks left for winter. If he doesn't, early Spring.

The Wiarton Groundhog Committee dress in their white tuxedos and take part in this ceremony early on a frosty Sunday morning at dawn. Many town people and visitors come out and celebrate Willie's weather forecasting. Usually there are very blustery, cold winds coming from the east and everyone has to bundle up to keep warm and cosy.

What are you hoping Willie's prediction will be on Sunday morning, for an early spring or for six more weeks of winter? Once the forecast has been made and the excitement dies down, Willie and his helpers will be able to enjoy breakfast.

It's the biggest weekend in Wiarton with all the activities going on and, I might add, this was among the first winter festivals in Ontario.

Many people who have families and friends in the area take this opportunity to return to Wiarton. People come from far and near to renew their relationships and friendships. Wiarton Willie brings our community together with good spirits."