WATCH: Willie predicts an early spring
After a brief moment of contemplation, Wiarton Willie’s human interpreter shared his winter weather prediction with the world.
“Willie didn’t see his shadow, so we’re going to have an early spring,” said South Bruce Peninsula Mayor, Garry Michi.
Willie’s prediction was met with cheers from the assembled crowd who braved -15 C temperatures to hear Willie’s prediction, in person, for the first time since February 2020.
“Thank goodness. I wanted an early spring,” said Tom Wiggers.
“I’ve had enough of winter. Bring on spring,” said Julie Smoppel.
This was both Mayor Michi and this version of Wiarton Willie’s first prediction together.
Mayor Michi was just elected in October and the new Wiarton Willie replaces a brown-coated understudy who took over for another albino marmot last year, after the previous groundhogs untimely demise due to a tooth abscess in late 2020.
“I had my granddaughter teach me ‘groundhogese.’ She’s only 8 [years old,] but she picked it up quicker than me, but we figured it out,” said Michi.
Wiarton Willie bucked the North American trend, by selecting an early spring.
Shubenacadie Sam and Puxsutawney Phil both saw their shadows, therefore calling for six more weeks of winter.
“This was this Willie’s first year, so I’ll give him a pass, because I think he got it wrong. Six more weeks of winter, for sure,” said Sharon Roote.
This was the first in-person prediction ceremony in two years in Wiarton thanks to COVID-19 restrictions.
A crowd of nearly 1,000 people braved the cold Thursday morning to hear what Willie and Mayor Michi had to say.
“It’s just nice to see a sense of community back in Wiarton. We’re so happy to see folks back in South Bruce Peninsula for this” Michi concluded.
The Wiarton Willie Festival continues this weekend in Wiarton with a multitude of outdoor events, including skating, axe throwing and life-size outdoor foosball.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.