Was that a shadow? This year, groundhogs are going virtual

The pandemic is forcing the country’s famous furry forecasters to take their festivities online.

Groundhog Day predictions from Ontario’s Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam will be broadcast widely this week, but no crowds will gather as the critters emerge to carry on a long-running tradition.

Folklore has it that if a groundhog sees its shadow on Feb. 2, it will retreat into its burrow, heralding six more weeks of cold weather. No shadow is said to foretell spring-like temperatures are on the way.

In Wiarton, Ont., the community’s famous albino groundhog, Wiarton Willie, will emerge to make a prediction on Tuesday, but there won’t be an in-person audience to cheer him on.

“Life, as we know it, has changed, and Willie’s no exception,” said Janice Jackson, mayor of South Bruce Peninsula, where Wiarton is located.

Over the years, Wiarton Willie has drawn large crowds who gather before a stage for music and entertainment that culminates in the groundhog’s prediction.

Jackson said the cancellation of in-person events due to the pandemic have dealt a financial blow to hotels, restaurants and other businesses in the community that typically benefit from visitors who arrive to watch Willie’s predictions.

Out east, Shubenacadie Sam, Nova Scotia’s celebrity groundhog will also be making his prediction virtually this year.

“I’ll miss seeing my fans but safety first,” reads a tweet from the groundhog’s official account.In Quebec, groundhog Fred La Marmotte will also be delivering his forecast online.