The 70th annual Wiarton Willie celebrations are now underway in Wiarton, with a full slate of events planned through the weekend leading up to Groundhog Day on Monday, February 2, 2025.
Activities continue Friday at the Wiarton Arena, where a Wiarton Willie hockey tournament runs all weekend. Celebrations continue Friday nnight with a Lions Club casino night at the Wiarton Propeller Club, featuring games, door prizes, and proceeds going to the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Fund.
Saturday brings a busy day across the community, starting with a pancake breakfast at St. John’s United Church from 8 a.m. until noon. Bluewater Park will host free family-friendly winter activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including sleigh rides, inflatable mazes, and trackless trains. A vendors and crafters market runs at the Propeller Club from 10 until 3, while a Lions Club pool tournament and a popular chili lunch near downtown also take place throughout the day.
Saturday night features live music and dancing at multiple venues, including the Wiarton Arena and the Propeller Club. The weekend also includes a sold-out Groundhog Bonspeil at the Wiarton and District Curling Club, with spectators welcome.
The celebrations continue Sunday and wrap up Monday morning with fireworks in Bluewater Park at 7 a.m., followed by Wiarton Willie’s official prediction at 8:07 at the future town hall site on William Street.
