How a small town in Ontario is mourning the loss of its furry icon

The nation's surprisingly long-lived furry weather prognosticator has died at the age of 13, but a younger replacement understudy is ready to step into the spotlight.

• RIPWiartonWillie: Spring prognosticator dies at 13

WiartonWillie's annual spring prediction drew national attention every Groundhog Day to the small town inSouth Bruce Peninsula in southwestern Ontario, where he was found lifeless in his pen on Saturday.

The albino pug-nosed celebrity lived three times longer than the average groundhog, which can normally reach the age of four.

Janice Jackson,the mayor of the town just 200 kilometres north of London, said two-year-old Wee Willie is in much better shape for his appointmentthan his successor was before he died.

"I could see that (WiartonWillie) was frail and moving slower than normal. I was worried about him. I could see that he was declining and a little frail," she said.

The public is invited to commemorate Willie at a memorial service planned for Saturday inWiarton's Bluewater Park.

Bigger and better

Town residents and festival-goers celebrated the weather prognostication for the last six decades with four groundhogs, who all lived to see past their 10th birthday.

There are two main events surrounding the folklore -- a gatheringon the morning ofGroundhog Day and a grand celebration organized by the town's business community the weekend following the prediction.

Jackson said that community volunteers tooka temporary hiatus last year which didn't stop residents and tourists from celebrating at town bars and restaurants.

"It takes a tremendous amount of volunteers and it was the same group of volunteers year after year, and at some point, you just get tired and you have to take a break, so we did have a lapse last year," she said. "The group ran out of gas."

However, Jackson said the town is working feverishly to commemorate its furry ambassador through a bigger festival and new events committee.

"We have a new young whippersnapper of a Willie stepping into the spotlight. We have a brand new committee full of energy and ambition, and I believe this festival is going to be the best one we've had in many, many years."

Legend has it that if Wee Williesees his shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. If not, then spring will come early.

Resident concerns

Melanie Hepburn, who is from Wiarton and owns a bookshop there, said she missed thetradition last year when festival organizers decided to cancel the grand celebration.

"In the past it's been very great but it's petered off," she said. "Now, hearing of Willie's passing, we just hope there's a future or the whole prognosticator (event) will pass on. There certainly is a fear."

Despite the sea of Wiarton Willie signageacross town, Hepburnsaid her book club is concerned the town ofWiarton willlose touch with the tradition that helped putit on the international map.

"I think Wiarton has something very special. [The festival]means home."