(by Carolina Smart)

February 2nd is Ground Hog day. The day the ground hog predicts when spring will be coming (once upon a time this use to be a respected Native Indian tradition, now it is just a money making joke, along with Valentine's day and Christmas, and the fact that he predicts when spring is coming, well, check your calendar, spring comes 6 weeks either way). So I am trying to say is what a load of hooey!!! (that is Wiarton speak for Crap!)

You see! I grew up in Wiarton. You got it. The home of Wiarton Willie. For those who don't know who Wiarton Willie is, well...he is the Canadian albino mascot for Ground Hog day. Willie is also not without controversy. A couple of years ago, he died the week before Ground Hog day and there was a cover up. This of course caused an international scandal. It must have been a very slow news day!!!

Growing up I was never harassed or teased by the fact that our town had a famous ground hog. But then I moved away and since then when ever anyone finds out I am from Wiarton, they torture me with the fact that I came from Wiarton Willieville. For years, a fellow employees would plaster the walls of our office with pictures and articles of Willie each and every February 2nd. (it's funny how he suddenly disappeared, I wonder why we haven't heard from him....creepy music plays here)

I realize people need an escape from reality, and lets face it, a million channels and nothing is on! So, if this is your escape, enjoy! Wiarton has a Wiarton Willie festival. I on the other hand can find better things to do with my time, like for instance, write rants about the fact that I can't stand Ground Hog day!!! For me every February 2nd I feel like Bill Murray did in the movie Ground Hog day. It just never ends!!!