The Wiarton Willie Festival earned a nod as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in the province.
The recognition from Festivals and Events Ontario comes following a milestone year for the Town of South Bruce Peninsula in hosting the annual groundhog day event, the 70th anniversary.
“Celebrating 70 years of Wiarton Willie is an incredible milestone for our community,” says South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Jay Kirkland in a release. “To now see the festival recognized as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals & Events is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, staff, and residents who work tirelessly to make this event such a success. Wiarton Willie is more than a tradition; it’s a symbol of our community pride and resilience.”
The Wiarton Willie Festival is held during the heart of winter, with several community events planned around the town’s famous groundhog, Willie, making his playful prognostication on Feb. 2 each year about whether or not there will be an early spring.
“The Wiarton Willie Festival plays a vital role in supporting our local economy during the winter season. It draws visitors from across the province and beyond, filling our restaurants, shops, and accommodations at a time when businesses need it most. Being recognized by Festivals & Events Ontario reinforces the significance of this event, not only as a cherished community celebration but as an important economic driver for South Bruce Peninsula,” the town’s Manager of Economic Development and Communications Danielle Edwards says in a release.
The town offered thanks to volunteer, community partners and attendees who have supported the Wiarton Willie Festival over the past 70 years and helped earn this provincial recognition.