A shadow is blanketing the town of Wiarton today, with news that the famous Albino groundhog, Wiarton Willie is dead.
South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson says the iconic prognosticating groundhog was 13 years young and served the Town, Province and Country with immense pride each and every Groundhog Day.
She says Willie also enjoyed meeting the thousands of guests who would visit him at his home in Bluewater Park during the summer months.
Most groundhogs in the wild live to be approximately 4 years old, with shorter life-spans typically for the albino variety, like Willie.
Willie’s daily care regiment coupled with living in a safe and protected environment allowed Willie to reach the ripe old age of thirteen (13).
Jackson says to honour the world famous citizen, the Town of South Bruce Peninsula will host a Memorial Service for Willie on Saturday September 30th at 11am in Wiartons Bluewater Park.
The Mayor is calling it a “State Funeral” for the groundhog with speeches and a funeral procession through the Park.
Jackson says Willie will be enshrined in the train station at Bluewater Park with a little plaque.
Everyone is invited.
The ceremony is similar to what was done in 1999, when a previous Wiarton Willie died.
Mayor Jackson says immediately following the ceremony, Willie’s 2 year old understudy Wee Willie will assume the starring role representing Wiarton as North America’s top prognosticator!
A memory book will be available at Town Hall for those who wish to share their memories of Wiarton Willie.
