Wiarton Willie 2024 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.
Willie Weekend Community Festival Events
Groundhog Mixed Curling Bonspiel |
Saturday February 3, 2024 Wiarton Curling Club Two 8-end games Fun bonspiel, no experience necessary, prizes for every curler Continental breakfast, hot lunch and snacks $200 per team Limited to the first 16 teams entered Contact Pat Lenson to register 416-333-1885 |
Kids Roadbreakers Hockey |
Come out and watch the kids Road Hockey Tournament. Games are from 10am to 4pm at the Wiarton Pool parking lot. For information contact Chris Thomas |
Masonic Cheap Chili Chowdown |
February 3, 2024 from 11am to 2pm at the Masonic Lodge located at 560 Claude St. Get out of the cold and get some warm food in your belly as you enjoy the outdoor activities in and around town Willie weekend! $5.00 will get you a bowl of chili with a bun and a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. As always, the Mason's will serve up your choice of Willie Chili (meat-lovers), Willie's Chili (veggie), or Wee-Willie (ultra-mild). The well-guarded recipe is a perennial favorite, served up hot and fresh in the warmth of the Masonic Lodge (across from the firehall) |
Willie Bid Euchre Tournament |
January 30, 2024 from 12:30pm to 5:00pm at the Wiarton Propeller Club All are welcome! Pre-registration is required. $10.00 per person, refreshments are provided during the break. |
Vendors/Crafters Market |
Saturday February 3, 2024 from 9am to 3pm at the Wiarton Propeller Club $1.00 admission Soup & Sandwiches available to purchase |
Wiarton Legion Karaoke |
Karaoke with Lennie Friday February 2, 2024 from 8pm to midnight at the Wiarton Legion located at 330 Boyd St. Food available for purchase from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. |
Ridge River Rambler - Wiarton Legion |
Feb 3, 2024 from 2pm to 5pm enjoy the Ridge River Rambler band. There is a $5.00 admission charge and food will be available for purchase.
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Wiarton Legion - Kevin (Norm) Gibson Memorial Dart Tournament |
Sat Feb 3, 2024 10:00am to 10:45am registration 4-person teams $60 per team entry
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Wiarton Willie Weekend Homecoming & Casino Night |
Friday Feb 2, 2024, from 8pm to 1am at the Wiarton Propeller Club Email The Lions Club |
Wiarton Willie Dance |
Sat Feb 3, 2024, from 8pm to 1am. Dance is Featuring the Midnight Blue. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased from Josie's Fashions Email The Lion's Club |
Wiarton Lion's Club Pool Tournament |
Come our and test your pool playing skills. Sign up for 8-ball or snooker at Lloyds's Smoke Shop and Pool Hall Sat Feb 3, 2024 starting at 9am Registration is $15 Door prizes & cash prize for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place.
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Wiarton Willie Hockey Tournament & Dance |
Hockey Tournament Feb 2, 3 & 4 at the Wiarton Arena. Dance featuring the Fat Tony Band upstairs at the Wiarton Arena from 8pm to 2am, tickets are $10. |
Sponsors and Festival History
Our 2024 Platinum sponsor | ||||||||
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 2024 | ||||||||
Sponsors are critical to the success of any community event. Please consider sponsoring the 2024 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? | ||||||||
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 | ||||||||
Downloadable Colouring Pages |
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Willie's Statue | ||||||||
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. |