Wiarton Willie goes online to predict early spring

© Hannah Yoon/The Canadian Press Marking the 65th year of the tradition, Willie was accompanied by South Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson, and more importantly, his very own interpreter.

If you were hoping for an early spring, you’re in luck!  

Wiarton Willie predicted an early spring this year, in what organizers called a “live(ish)” video sent a few minutes before the traditional prediction time. 

This year’s Groundhog Day forecast was officially announced at 8:07 a.m. from Wiarton, Ont. but this time, it was online with no live crowds or fireworks.

Marking the 65th year of the tradition, Willie was accompanied by South Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson who acted as his interpreter and announced the prediction. 

“It’s an early spring,” announced Jackson after throwing a fur hat into the air — a move they said hearkens back to the tradition’s first edition more than 60 years ago.

In the video, the community’s famous albino groundhog, Wiarton Willie, was nowhere to be seen.

The video had special appearances from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford to mark the annual tradition celebrated by the province.

Willie is the successor to the original Wiarton Willy who died in 2018. 

Earlier this morning, Shubenacadie Sam also predicted an early spring when he saw his shadow in Nova Scotia.