Canada's Foremost Weather Prognosticator!
Canada's Foremost Weather Prognosticator!
On February 2nd, each year since 1956, Canada's groundhog soothsayer, the Great Willie of Wiarton emerges from hibernation in his burrow just long enough to pronounce his extended winter weather report. The international media gather in Wiarton to await his prediction and to take Willie's news to the world!
Willie is one of many famous albino groundhogs born on the Bruce Peninsula whose mystique is enhanced by his snowy whiteness, his lovely pink eyes and the fact that he was born precisely on the 45th parallel - midway point between the Equator and the North Pole. He has consistently delivered accurate predictions ( 90%!) on the remaining course of winter.
Each year the Town of South Bruce Peninsula and the Wiarton & District Lions Club present the Wiarton Willie Festival. Thousands of visitors come to the area from near and far to be on hand for Willie's prediction and to participate in the weekend of family fun laid on by area service clubs, sports teams and community organizations.
Willie has been immortalized by Canadian sculptor, Dave Robinson, who sculpted "Willie Emerging", the world's largest stone sculpture of a groundhog. Commissioned by the local Lions Club to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Festival, it can be enjoyed by visiting beautiful Bluewater Park in Wiarton.
In July 1999 the Festival Committee created
a memorial garden at the base of the statue. Contributions of shrubs, trees
and flowers were received from many community supporters. Lion's Club members
set a beautiful stone path around the statue, through the garden.
The statue has become a destination for many people and throughout the
summer people are having their picture taken with Willie.
email: willie@wiarton-willie.org
website: www.wiarton-willie.org