On Groundhog Day, Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow this year signifying an early spring this year. With spring just around the corner, according to Willie, thousands turned out for the annual celebration.
There are several famous groundhogs around the world, but some of the most prominent include Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania and Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia. Somehow the groundhogs were also in unison this year as Phil also prognosticated an early spring. Last year there was a disagreement between Willie and Phil, where Willie predicted the early spring 2012 but Phil did not.
This year has not been that bad at all in Oakville with the latest snow all but gone again. Although temperatures are in the minuses, they are forecast to break back above the freezing mark over the coming days.
The reading was done with dignitaries being addressed along with the crowd to begin the annual celebration of Ground Hog Day in Wiarton. People around the world anxiously awaited Willie’s arrival during light snow in Wiarton.
Our beloved groundhog was not fooled this year as this icon of Canada made his appearance in 2013. His prediction was based on the fact that he did not see his shadow this year. If he would have saw his shadow, it would have meant 6 more weeks of winter. Looks like we got off easy again this year.
The crowd chanted “Wake Up Willie” and brought the groundhog out from his peaceful slumber. Willie would have rather continued his winter snooze, but was sporting since a large crowd had gathered. The prediction for an early spring was made at 8:07 a.m. Feb. 2, 2013.
Once a year Willie speaking “groundhogeze” lends his prediction.
Wiarton Willie is probably going to be right this year, judging by the relatively mild weather so far this year.
South of the Border, Phil was also awoken to make the same prediction of an early spring.
Punxsutawney Phil sees no shadow and predicts an early spring.
