In a Groundhog Day ceremony held at 8:09 a.m. in Bluewater Park, Wiarton, Ontario, Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow, signaling an early spring. This prediction contrasts with other weather-prognosticating animals:
- Fhubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
- Lucy the Lobster in Barrington, N.S., also saw her shadow, indicating a prolonged winter.
- Fred la marmotte in Quebec forecasted six more weeks of winter.
- Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania saw his shadow, suggesting a longer winter.
Wiarton, a town of about 1,900 people on the Bruce Peninsula, hosts an annual festival featuring a pancake breakfast, fireworks, skating with the Owen Sound Attack hockey team, a curling bonspiel, a chili cook-off, and more. This year’s festival proceeded despite significant snowfall in the region over the past week. ayor Jay Kirkland assured attendees that roads were clear after the recent snowstorm, welcoming visitors for the main event.
He expressed hope for an early spring but emphasized that the final prediction rested with Willie. Groundhog Day traditions date back to 1886 in the U.S. with Punxsutawney Phil’s first prediction.
Wiarton Willie has been part of this tradition since 1956, bringing warmth and community spirit to the town. Over the years, Wiarton Willie has faced controversies, including instances of his untimely death and the use of stand-ins for predictions. Despite these challenges, the tradition continues with a new white groundhog taking on the role in 2023. Canada hosts several weather-prognosticating animals, such as Shubenacadie Sam, Lucy the Lobster, and Fred la Marmotte. Each provides their own predictions, contributing to the diverse tapestry of Groundhog Day forecasts across the country.
Source: Swifteradio.com
