Wiarton Willie delivers his springtime prognostication

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The prediction is in and Wiarton Willie says it is an early spring.

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The weather prognosticating albino groundhog made his 67th annual prediction at 8:07 a.m. this morning, and since he didn’t see his shadow, an early spring it was.

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It was the first prediction for the latest Willie, who arrived in Wiarton late last year after he was found in Cleveland. And it was newly elected South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Gary Michi who made the announcement to the large crowd that had gathered outside the Wiarton District Community Centre and Arena.

Prediction morning kicked off at 7 a.m. on Thursday with fireworks over the bay. After entertainment that included the Hepworth school choir singing O Canada, the Georgian Bay Cheer athletics team, and some Willie trivia with event host Rick Campanelli, it was soon Willie’s time to shine.

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A very unofficial poll of the crowd, conducted by Campanelli by asking them if they would prefer six more weeks of winter or an early spring, appeared to slant in favour of more winter.

Led by the shadow cabinet of local dignitaries and a pipe band, Willie was carried to the stage in his clear plexiglass box by handler Gord Glover. After some presentations and speeches, the groundhog was gently placed on the podium in the middle of the stage. Michi, who was elected South Bruce Peninsula Mayor in October’s municipal election then consulted with the pug-nosed prognosticator. Groundhog lore says that only the mayor of the town can speak groundhogese and thus gather the prediction from the white rodent.

As the clock struck 8:07 a.m. the announcement was made. Despite the disappointment of some, mostly cheers were heard from those in attendance.

MORE TO COME