Merri Aiken For Town of South Bruce Peninsula Council

Wiarton Willie has been around. He started as a joke and hat and later evolved into the reason that every February, Wiarton receives some excellent, positive attention both near and far. It is a cute piece for newstations. The name Wiarton Willie stands with the greats. For famous marmots, apparently there is Willie and there is Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania. And Phil was the lead in a little movie about the holiday. Willie is in great company. What a great bit of free advertising for our area!

There is a “FreeWillie” movement, of course. Some are concerned about the wellfare of Willie over the long term. Some are concerned about the monies are spent on what they consider to be a silly idea. The bumperstickers are cute too.

However, this ‘silly idea’ has drawn tourism dollars into a part of our town during the most difficult of winter months. The pomp and circumstance of the ceremony has grown over the years. Some years are extra special. Wiarton has hosted Canadian morning shows in various years and I have to admit, I feel a great pride when I see our community discussed on the tv. The coverage is never negative.

There is also the difficult years. The times when the Official Willie fails to arise. Even in those instances, Wiarton is mentioned across the country. What a way to peak a curiosity about our town. People know the name!

Or the years when it is difficult to locate a new prognosticator. That is due partially because Willie is traditionally a white groundhog and partially because of whatever magical quality that allows for an accurate weather prediction.

Using any animal as a mascot or promotional focus can be problematic. According to sources online, a groundhog in the wild can live up to six years but most only see three years. An albino rarely survives beyond half that period. The dangers of predators, diseases, parasites, “farm field management techniques”, and unsuccessful road crossings take their toll. A groundhog in captivity, however, lives 6 to 14 years since the majority of the dangers are mitigated. Usually Willie is probably the most healthy of any prognosticating marmots. Except for that Phil who has never died, (except for that one time when he was driving a truck) and is over 120 years old. He’s an oddity.

It is a solitary existence however. Although groundhogs are traditionally a solitary creature, they do “meet and greet” in the spring. This is an experience denied to those who serve their community; like Phil and like Willie. At least, as far as I am aware. But that shouldn’t be equated with cruelty.

A rural municipality that needs tourism revenue to keep our economy healthy, a Wiarton Willie festival is an event that should be used to springboard other winter opportunities. The recent revival with travel within Canada and a new appreciation in the treasures that Town of South Bruce Peninsula can offer the day tripper or the winter cottager should be embraced.

To get people to spend money in your area, you must first get them to your area.

Willie has been doing his part for decades.