55 years ago Mac McKenzie who was working at Queen’s Park wanted to have his pals come visit him at his home in Wiarton.
So he invented the “First Annual International Groundhog Festival” which was really one big adult party.
Now in 2011, the latest edition of the six-day Wiarton Willie Festival is about to unfold and it’s all about family fun.
McKenzie says he can’t believe how it’s grown.
Event Coordinator Shane Sargant says last year they estimate the festival created a two million dollar spinoff plus tons of national and international media attention for Wiarton.
Sargant says this year the festival is jam-packed with activities for the entire family through music, food and entertainment.
Meanwhile, Event Chair Matt Standen says they have several special guests showing up this year.
Breakfast Television will be broadcasting live from the event; Rick Mercer of the TV show The Mercer Report will be up on Tuesday, February 1st, checking out the behind-the-scenes activity for Groundhog Day and National Geographic Kids show, Are We There Yet, will be doing a feature on the albino rodent.
Standen says all this spells national and international publicity for the town of Wiarton.
This is likely the last year that the municipality of South Bruce Peninsula will be directly involved in the event.
The Chamber of Commerce is expected to take it over next year.
President Josie Myles says this is a transition year and there have been a few burps along the way but the festival is ready to go.
Willie will give his prediction on Wednesday, February 2nd at 8:06 AM and Bayshore Broadcasting News will be there to let you know if there will be six more weeks of winter.
During the festival which follows the prognostication, Bayshore Broadcasting will be presenting great musical entertainment as well.
Country 93 will present country artist Jamie Warren on Wednesday, Groundhog Day, February 2nd with a concert in the park in the evening.
560 CFOS will present the Buddy Holly and Elvis show Friday, February 4th in the Willie big tent, 7 PM to 10 PM.
Mix 106.5 will present April Wine in the Willie big tent on Saturday night, February 5th.
