Wiarton Willie Predicts Early Spring at 2025 Groundhog Day Ceremony
Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow this morning, predicting an early spring for the third year in a row at the annual Groundhog Day ceremony.
Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow this morning, predicting an early spring during the annual Groundhog Day ceremony in Wiarton, Ontario. The announcement was made to a cheering crowd by Mayor Jay Kirkland, marking the third consecutive year Willie has forecast an early end to winter.
“This marks the third year in a row that Wiarton Willie has predicted an early spring," Kirkland told attendees.
While Willie’s forecast suggests warmer weather ahead, other well-known weather-predicting animals had a different outlook:
Shubenacadie Sam (Nova Scotia): Saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
Lucy the Lobster (Nova Scotia): Also saw her shadow, indicating a longer winter.
Fred la marmotte (Quebec): Predicted six more weeks of winter.
Punxsutawney Phil (Pennsylvania): Saw his shadow, also forecasting more winter.
Wiarton Willie’s predictions have historically leaned toward early springs, which may be influenced by the region’s location within Ontario’s snowbelt. However, studies have found that groundhog predictions are no more accurate than chance, with an overall accuracy rate of about 50 percent.
Even so, it’s a great opportunity to get community members out and active in winter. The Wiarton Willie Festival featured a full lineup of events leading up to and following the prediction ceremony, drawing crowds from across the region.
The morning began with a fireworks display at 7:00 AM, setting the stage for the main event at 8:07 AM, when Willie’s prediction was revealed. Following the announcement, festivalgoers made their way to Bluewater Park, where entertainment, family-friendly activities, and local vendors were set up for the Wiarton Willie Festival from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
For those unable to attend in person, the Groundhog Day ceremony was livestreamed by Rogers Sports & Media.
After Groundhog Day, Wiarton Willie remains a local attraction with his statue in Bluewater Park serving as a popular photo opportunity for tourists. The white limestone statue, called "Willie Emerging", was unveiled on February 3, 1996, and has become a popular landmark in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.
The statue, crafted from a single piece of dolomite limestone weighing approximately 7 tonnes, was created by local artist Dave Robinson. It was designed to look life-like and natural, with minimal stylization that captures the essence of the famous albino groundhog.
For those interested in seeing Willie or learning more about him, the town maintains various resources and events throughout the year that celebrate their famous meteorological mascot.