Wiarton Willie 2025 Festival and Prediction Morning
Organizing an event? Add it to the Community Calendar and we will list it on the Wiarton Willie page.
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Sunday February 2, 2025
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370 William Street (future home of the new Town Hall)
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Fireworks at 7am
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Willie's Official Prediction at 8:07am You can Livestream Prediction Morning thanks to Rogers Sports & Media.
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Festival events from 9am to 2pm in Bluewater Park
- trackless train
- inflatable mazes
- video gaming trailer
- horse drawn wagons
- axe throwing trailer
- photo booth
Please note that both predication morning and the festival events are on Sunday February 2, 2025.
Fri Jan 31, 2025 there will be a FREE public skate from 9am to 11am. The Owen Sound Attack will be on the ice to sign autographs from 9:30am and 10:30am
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Sat Feb 1, 2025 at 8am
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Two (8-end) Games
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Fun Bonspiel no experience necessary
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Includes continental breakfast and member prepared lunch
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Contact Patricia Lenson for more information 416-333-1885
Casino Night
Friday Jan 31, 2025 from 8pm to 1am at the Propeller Club
Dance featuring Midnight Blue
Sat Feb 1, 2025 from 8pm to 1am at the Propeller Club
Tickets available at:
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Josie's Fashions 618 Berford St. or email
Thursday January 30, 2025 from 5pm to 8pm
Free hotdogs and fun and games for everyone!
Pre-register before Jan 29th at www.wiartonpropellerclub.ca
Hot lunch on a cold day. $5 gets you a bowl of chili and a bun!
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Willie Chili (meat lovers)
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Willie's Chili (Vegetarian Heaven)
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Wee Willie's Chili (for delicate tummies)
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Masonic Lodge, 560 Claude St. (across from the fire hall)
Sat Feb 1, 2025 from 10am to 3pm at the Wiarton Propeller Club. Admission is $1.00 and there will be soup and sandwiches for purchase.
Dance Sat Feb 1, 2025 from 8pm to 2am. Music featuring Fat Boy Tony Band and Grey Road One. $20/per ticket at the Wiarton Arena.
The St. John's United Church Wiarton Willie Pancake Breakfast
Feb 1 from 8am to 12
$10 for seniors & kids under 12
Kids under 5 are free
528 Berford St., Wiarton
Fri Jan 31 from 5pm to 7pm you can grab a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and apple slices for $15 then enjoy karaoke with Lenny at 8pm
Sat Feb 1 from 2pm to 6pm Dance to Field Party and then Norm Gibson Memorial Darts registration between 10am and 10:45 $60 per team.
ATTENTION MEDIA
A valid press pass will be required for access. Please ensure you have the necessary credentials in advance.
For press pass applications and further inquiries, kindly contact Danielle Edwards, Manager of Economic Development and Corporate Communications.
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
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.
Welcome to the Wiarton Willie Festival, a cherished tradition that has brought joy and excitement to Wiarton for over 65 wonderful years. It all began with Mac McKenzie, a spirited individual with a desire to shake off the winter blues and bring some warmth to the community.
In a whimsical gesture, Mac decided to host a gathering for a hundred of his dearest friends on Groundhog Day in Wiarton. With a simple press release inviting them to join in the festivities, he aimed to infuse the chilly season with laughter and camaraderie. Little did he know that this casual get-together would blossom into an iconic celebration.
As fate would have it, the media caught wind of Mac's plan, and a curious reporter ventured to Wiarton to uncover the story behind this unconventional Groundhog Day gathering. After some investigation around town, the reporter stumbled upon a local establishment, where Mac and his friends were enjoying each other's company with a drink or two.
In a moment of whimsy and spontaneity, when asked about the whereabouts of the groundhog, Mac playfully tossed a fur hat into the snow. Seizing the opportunity for a memorable photo, the reporter immortalized the hat as a stand-in for the elusive groundhog. And with that playful gesture, Wiarton's Groundhog Day tradition was born.
Since that lighthearted moment, the Wiarton Willie Festival has evolved into an annual extravaganza, drawing visitors from near and far to partake in the merriment. From lively parades and entertainment to local delicacies and family-friendly activities, the festival radiates the warmth of community spirit and the joy of coming together to embrace the season.
Join us in commemorating this cherished legacy and creating new memories as we celebrate Wiarton Willie, the beloved groundhog who has captured the hearts of all who visit. Experience the magic, laughter, and camaraderie that define the Wiarton Willie Festival—a celebration that continues to brighten winters and create lasting smiles.
Legend has it that the stars aligned to mark the birth of a remarkable groundhog who would forever change the landscape of weather prediction. Grundoon, Muldoon, and Sand Dune, the wise groundhogs, emerged from their hibernation to deliver a prophecy to Mac, foretelling the arrival of this extraordinary creature.
This mystical white groundhog possessed an unparalleled gift—the ability to accurately forecast the arrival of spring. Every February 2nd, he would emerge from his burrow, ready to communicate his predictions to those who could understand the ancient language of Groundhogese.
As word spread of Willie's uncanny predictions, people from near and far flocked to witness this marvel, sparking the birth of an annual festival. Over time, the Festival has blossomed into the grandest winter celebration in Bruce County, drawing in locals and visitors alike to revel in the magic of Willie's prognostications.
Join us in commemorating this legendary groundhog whose fame knows no bounds. Experience the wonder of Willie's predictions and immerse yourself in the festivities that have evolved alongside his meteoric rise to fame. Be part of this cherished tradition and celebrate the spirit of community and anticipation as we await Willie's annual weather prophecy.
Recognizing the need to properly honor our beloved icon, the Town rallied together to create the illustrious "Shadow Cabinet." Led by the esteemed figure known as The Mayor of the Land and of the Marmot, who possesses the unique ability to converse in Groundhogese, the Shadow Cabinet stands as a tribute to Willie's significance in our lives.
Throughout the years, the Shadow Cabinet has housed remarkable individuals, each playing a vital role in celebrating and managing Willie's prominence. From the Minister of Inter-Burrow Affairs to the Minister of Hot Air and Hogwash, from the Director of Business, Buttons, and Bows to the Minister of Ancient Affairs, this esteemed assembly reflects the diverse facets of our community.
Notable dignitaries and esteemed guests have graced Willie's celebrations, adding grandeur to the events. Chiefs of our First Nations neighbors, the eloquent Town Criers, distinguished personalities like the Premier of Ontario, and supportive Festival sponsors have all joined in celebrating Willie's predictions and the spirit of our community.
Each year, Willie makes a prediction at 8:07 am.
You can visit Wiarton Willie from May until September in his home in Bluewater Park.
We are proud to present the Mac McKenzie Award to Koreen Ryan for her incredible contributions to the Wiarton Willie Festival. As the owner of Ram Trophies, Koreen’s shop was the go-to for Wiarton Willie merchandise, and she tirelessly supported the festival by engraving the Mac McKenzie plaque each year.
Koreen’s dedication to Prediction Morning and her year-round support of Wiarton Willie celebrations have left a lasting impact on our community. Thank you, Koreen, for your outstanding commitment!
2010 John Aiken
2011 Alan Given
2012 Joe Bell
2013 Jim Mitchell
2014 Keith Gilbert
2015 Joanne Lancaster
2016 Paul Sutter
2017 Bruce Peninsula Association for Community Living
2018 David Nixon
2019 Mary Lynn Standen
2020 Angie McDougall
2022 Jeff Brown
2023 MacGregor Tannahill and Bruce Kruger
2024 Kevin Forget
The Mac McKenzie Award is given to an individual or organization who works tirelessly for our community and demonstrates a selfless volunteer commitment.
Downloadable Colouring Pages
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.
