South Bruce Peninsula and Wiarton Willie are getting ready for this week’s annual prediction about whether winter will last six weeks longer.
Manager of Economic Development and Communication Danielle Edwards says Willie is getting ready to make his prediction on Feb. 2 at the Wiarton Arena parking lot by eating a lot and getting his rest.
The brown Willie of last year is currently at his habitat in Bluewater Park in one of the two enclosures where the groundhogs spend their time and will remain the understudy for the time being.
She says as Willie is traditionally albino, the brown Willie is happy to step aside while the new one takes front and centre stage this year.
Prediction morning on Thursday will start at 7 a.m. with fireworks.
“Willie’s keeper will bring Wiarton Willie to the arena parking lot and onto stage at precisely 8:07 a.m., where Garry Michi, who has been practicing his groundhog-ese will speak with Willie and translate the official prediction,” says Edwards.
The municipality will be hosting a free community festival later on Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will feature a variety of events, games and local organizations.
Some of the festivities including a trackless train, axe throwing, human foosball arena, and press basketball.
Edwards adds it is great to be back to a normal festival following the pandemic as they were not able to hold a proper one last year.
“Last year, because of Covid-19 protocols and regulations that were in place, we weren’t able to have a live event,” says Edwards. “We are just thrilled to actually be able to return to a live event. We are thrilled to have something for our community to gather at. Thrilled to have something that the residents of Grey Bruce and beyond can come and experience what a downtown outside winter festival is in February here in Wiarton.”
More details on the event can be found on the South Bruce Peninsula website here.
