Wiarton Willie is predicting six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow this morning.
The world famous prognosticating groundhog emerged for his 60th anniversary prediction on a sunny morning in Wiarton, shortly after 8am today
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Yes, Willie, promptly saw his shadow, a sign that there's at least six more weeks of winter.
South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson acts as Willie's official translator and says there's lots of pressure in getting the prediction right, but adds she's confident she heard Willie's prediction correctly.
After 60 years of attracting people to Wiarton for the festival, Jackson says it's has been a tremendous drawing card for the community, but has also been a source of pride for locals.
"It means everything to this community. Wiarton is brimming with community spirit and enthusiasm all year round, but during the Willie festival, it's just outstanding," says Jackson.
Willie's prediction is in stark contrast to his counterparts, as Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia and Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil both predicted an early spring.
From 5:15 a.m.
It's a special anniversary for the Wiarton Willie Festival this morning.
The Groundhog Day tradition is marking 60 years of weather prognosticating, though the first Wiarton Willie Festival in 1956 did not actually feature a groundhog.
Founder Mac McKenzie wanted to show off his hometown and invited friends to a Wiarton tavern, using a fur hat as a stand-in for an actual marmot, though it wasn't until the 1980s that an actual albino groundhog started making spring predictions.
The festival has morphed into a week-long celebration, generating millions in economic benefit for South Bruce Peninsula and the surrounding area.
Wiarton Willie will make his diamond anniversary prediction just after 8am today.
