We last attended a Groundhog Day celebration in 2020 and it was the epic Sunday 02022020 Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania with at least 40000 other participants. We typically do not travel to a Groundhog Day celebration in an odd numbered year but I was sorely tempted to this year; particularly as this is the first year that the new Wiarton Willie would face an audience.

Up early

The typical off year celebration begins quite early in the morning. I decided to review the live stream from Punxsutawney later in favour of waking up a bit later at 7:15.

I woke up immediately with the alarm to check the status of Punxsutawney Phil who predicted 6 more weeks of winter as did Shubenacadie Sam and Lucy the Lobster. In a trice (meaning 2 hours and 30 minutes later), Mumtaz was up full of enthusiasm for the day’s festivities.

Wiarton Willie Predicts an Early Spring

The Wiarton Willie celebration was a bit amateurish this year, but Willie’s performance itself was so much better than last year. His artificially lightened fur must have been a confidence builder as well. There was a new Shadow Cabinet Chairperson (who is also mayor of South Bruce) who seemed reasonably prepared for this awesome responsibility but needs a little more experience. Click here to see more.

Fred la Marmotte

Fred la Marmotte through 2 generations has been prognosticating since 2010 in the Gaspe town of Val d’Espoir which is near Perce, a favourite destination of ours.

Unfortunately, Fred passed away in the night and could not be roused to deliver his prediction. This is rather similar to Winnipeg Willow’s passing a few years ago but completely different from Wiarton Willie’s passing 3 years ago.

This tragedy cast something of a pall on celebrations this year, condolences to Val d’Espoir.

Star and April

We met Star and April in Wiarton 9 years ago. They travel to a different festival every Groundhog Day; this year they returned to Punxsutawney. Seems to me that they will now revisit all the various festivals in order; this will return them to Wiarton in 6 years. While waiting, check out their blog here.

Off Year Celebration

Only one photo pertaining to our usual off year celebration. Of course, and by default, it is the mandatory misery shot:

Our celebratory pancake breakfast was splendid, with a terrific new recipe for blueberry pancakes at our favourite pancake restaurant here in St. Catharines. Other activities took up much of the afternoon.

Holiday Notes

As you know, Groundhog Day is the beginning of a busy holiday season. I haven’t posted a holiday calendar for some time so I expect to do that before the next holiday in line which is February 14, Beginning of the One Month Countdown to Pi Day. 2022 was special for Two’s Day; similarly, on December 31, 2023, Integer Day or 123123.

Next Year in Wiarton

Plans already under way … who knows, Mumtaz, Sam, Trevor and I may all make it to Wiarton at the same time as we have planning since 2018