The newest version of Wiarton Willie is predicting winter will stick around.
The fourth albino groundhog to be appointed as Wiarton Willie emerged for his inaugural Groundhog Day prediction this morning and saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
Willie's official interpreter, South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson, says Willie handled his duties well for his first time in the national spotlight.
"He was a piece of cake, he knows what he's doing and I understood him clearly, so it was a lot of fun; six more weeks he says," adds Jackson.
After facing criticism last year for having a lack of activities during the Wiarton Willie Festival, Jackson says they made sure there was lots to do this year. The feedback has been positive with hundreds turning out for Willie's prediction, despite temperatures dropping to -16 C.
"It's great, what a wonderful turnout, people from right across the world, apparently, so we're very, very excited," says Jackson.
But there is some discrepancy among the four-legged forecasters.
Nova Scotia's Shubanacadie Sam did not see his shadow which means an early spring.
While Punxsutawney Phil agreed with Willie and says winter is going to stick around.
