The countdown is on for the 55^th Annual Wiarton Willie Festival. This year offers up more fun events than ever to keep you busy throughout the week from February 1^st to 6^th.

Wiarton Willie is a local festival, but almost everywhere you go in the country you say “I’m from Wiarton”, and they’re instantly like “Oh yeah, I’ve heard of Wiarton Willie, the groundhog who predicts the weather”. So it is a big deal.

All the action starts February 2^nd at 8:07am in Bluewater Park. There will be live coverage by Breakfast Television, Bayshore Broadcasting and wait for it - Rick Mercer, so don’t be late!

This year is bigger and better with the “Big Willie Tent” in Bluewater Park with indoor entertainment, outdoor activities such as the West Coast Lumber Jack show, and carvings from ice, wood, and snow. For a true cultural experience visit the First Nations Festivities of local drumming, dancing and storytelling. 

If you’ve got a snowmobile, come on down to Bluewater Park prediction morning for the “Ride the Willie” poker run. You’ll be treated to VIP onsite snowmobile parking, live entertainment, pork BBQ lunch, and a photo opportunity with 'Willie On Your Sled'. Riders compete for the “Willie Cup” where the snowmobile club with the most riders that “Ride the Willie” will take the infamous Bobbi Switzer chainsaw carved 'Willie Cup' to their clubhouse for the entire year. Now that is worth bragging rights.

Wednesday evening is alive with the Wiarton Willie and Friends parade, fireworks and Jamie Warren concert in Bluewater park.

Thursday holds pop star tribute bands: Hannah Montana, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers. On Friday night welcome tribute stars Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley, followed by the local band Midnight Blue. This is sure to be an awesome weekend of concerts.

Saturday is jammed back with highlighted events- horse drawn sleigh rides, the always fun Willie’s Road Hockey Tournament, Volleyball Crawl, Snow Pitch Ball Tournament,  Wine and Spirit tasting for the older folks, a military obstacle course and entertainment.

While you’re in Wiarton walk around the town, visit some great stores, and take part in the scavenger hunt that’s fun for the whole family. Then as if all that wasn’t enough, the 9 time Juno Award winners April Wine are playing Saturday night in the “Big Tent”. It will be a blast!

Visit the Official Wiarton Willie Website for information on full events listing.

Remember, this year will be the best Wiarton Willie groundhog day Festival yet so come and be a part of all the great 2011 family fun! See you there!

Here are some highlights from last years 2010 Wiarton Willie Festival

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Posted on: 31/12/69