Willie and Fred to Predict Spring 2026, Sam Absent at Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day festivities this year featured varied predictions regarding the arrival of spring. In Quebec, Fred la Marmotte forecasted an early spring after not seeing his shadow. This annual event took place in Val-d’Espoir, Quebec, where Fred was greeted with singing and dancing. Following the rituals, a child raised a sign declaring “un printemps hâtif,” signaling the hope for an early spring.

Contrast with Shubenacadie Sam

Meanwhile, in Nova Scotia, Shubenacadie Sam did not fulfill her prediction duties. The event was canceled due to an impending winter storm that was expected to cause unsafe travel conditions. Sam’s home at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, located approximately 50 kilometers north of Halifax, was affected by winter storm warnings, with snowfall anticipated to reach up to 25 centimeters in some regions.

Legend of Groundhog Day

According to folklore, groundhogs determine the spring weather based on whether they see their shadow. If a groundhog sees its shadow, tradition holds that there will be six more weeks of winter. Conversely, not seeing one suggests an early arrival of spring.

Wiarton Willie and Other Predictions

In Ontario, Wiarton Willie was also scheduled to make a prediction. Last year, Canada’s iconic groundhogs were divided in their forecasts about spring’s arrival. In addition to these renowned groundhogs, Lucy the Lobster in Barrington, Nova Scotia, was set to contribute to the predictions. Since 2018, Lucy has played a role in launching the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl festival, adding a unique twist to the Groundhog Day tradition.

The rich history of Groundhog Day draws connections to medieval European customs, where the emergence of hedgehogs was believed to indicate the impending arrival of spring.