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The small community of Wiarton on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario is gearing up for the 55th anniversary of its biggest annual event - the Wiarton Willie Festival.

Both levels of government are represented with MP Larry Miller (L) and MPP Bill Murdoch and Wiarton Willie has no problem posing with both at the same time

In the 1950s, from what was simply known as Groundhog Day, founder Mac McKenzie started what was to become a world-known celebration based on the prognostication of a groundhog, Wiarton Willie.

Festival founder, Mac McKenzie (L), Chris Thomas and Volunteer of the Year recipient, Al Gibbons (R)

Today, the festival attracts many thousands of people from across North America and the world.  From a one-day prediction on February 2nd, it has grown to a six-day event with world-class entertainment and events for the entire family.

This year's festival will feature entertainment such as TV personality Rick Mercer, Breakfast Television, National Geographic's "Are We There Yet?" series, tribute shows to Elvis, Buddy Holly, Lady Gaga, Jonas Brothers and Hanna Montana and country music star Jamie Warren and the Juno award winning band, April Wine, among many others.

Another new feature this year is the 'Willie Big Tent' - a 10,000 square foot and heated tent where the entertainment will take place.

The event is organized by many volunteers throughout the community and, this year's Festival Chair, Matt Standen, said that if it weren't for the volunteers the festival would never happen.

Festival Chair, Matt Standen (L) accepts cheque from Dean Wier on behalf of Wiarton Legion Branch 208

Prediction day begins at 6:00 a.m. on February 2nd but events begin on the previous day and concludes on Sunday, February 6th.

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Thursday, January 13, 2011