Wiarton Willie 2025 Festival and Prediction Morning
Wiarton Willie predicts an early spring on Feb 2, 2024.
Every February 2nd, anticipation fills the air as people from all corners of the globe eagerly await the prediction from our famed groundhog. With all eyes on Wiarton Willie, the question lingers: will he cast a shadow, foretelling six more weeks of winter, or will his absence of a shadow herald an early spring?
The tradition of Wiarton Willie has captivated hearts for generations, drawing visitors and media attention from far and wide. Join us in Wiarton as we come together to witness this age-old tradition, celebrating the quirks and wonders of nature with enthusiasm and joy. Whether you're a weather enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique and memorable experience, the Wiarton Willie celebration is an event not to be missed.
Sponsors and Festival History
| Our 2024 Platinum sponsor | ||||||||
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As a leader in Canada’s nuclear industry, Bruce Power provides Ontario families and businesses with reliable, carbon-free electricity and cancer-fighting medical isotopes. Its electricity production is crucial in the fight against climate change and the transition to a robust, net-zero economy. Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program will extend the life of its nuclear fleet, creating and sustaining over 20,000 highly skilled jobs annually, driving the province’s economy, especially in the Clean Energy Frontier region of Grey, Bruce and Huron counties.
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| Our 2024 Friends sponsors | ||||||||
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| Sponsorship Package 2025 | ||||||||
| Sponsors are critical to the success of any community event. Please consider sponsoring the 2025 Wiarton Willie Festival. You can view the sponsorship package and/or contact Danielle Edwards, Manager of Economic Development and Communications for more information. | ||||||||
| History and past predictions | ||||||||
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| Where does Willie live? | ||||||||
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You can visit Wiarton Willie from May until September in his home in Bluewater Park. |
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| The Mac McKenzie award | ||||||||
The Mac McKenzie Award is given to an individual or organization who works tirelessly for our community and demonstrates a selfless volunteer commitment.
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| Willie's Kid Zone | ||||||||
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Downloadable Colouring Pages |
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| Willie's Statue | ||||||||
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Willie became so famous that in 1995 a statue made from stone donated by Adair Quarry and sculpting donated by Dave Robinson. A beautiful white limestone statue called "Willie Emerging" was unveiled in Bluewater Park on February 3, 1996 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Wiarton Willie prognostications.. The statue located in Bluewater Park in Wiarton is a perfect opportunity for a photo op. The statue is a 'must see' for most tourists visiting the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.
The Wiarton Willie statue started out as a single piece of dolomite limestone weighing approximately 7 tonnes. The stone donated Arriscraft Corporation/Adair Quarry in Hope Bay, 20 kms north of Wiarton. Arriscraft Corporation has provided stone for buildings such as Canada's Embassy in Washington, the locks of the Rideau Canal and the Peacekeeper Monument in Ottawa. Dave Robinson, an artist from the area, apprenticed in marble carving in Carrera Italy and has several works on display in Toronto and Ottawa. Robinson donated his time and talent to sculpt the image of the weather-forecasting groundhog. Robinson began the work in the summer of 1995. The statue is statue life-like and natural looking with some minimal stylization. Robinson left the statue roughly carved so the crystals in the stone help to keep the look close to that of the albino groundhog. The completed statue weighs approximately 4.5 tonnes. |
