Fenwick Flossie can’t wait for Groundhog Day this year. Instead, the village’s beloved weather-prognosticating rodent will be coming out of its den at Centennial Park a couple of days early, on Jan. 31, beating the likes of Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawney Phil to the prediction punch by two days.
According to Rob Henson, of the Fabulous Fenwick Lions, the man who best knows Flossie, the club decided to move up the date because Groundhog Day falls on a Sunday this year.
“It’s kind of like having your birthday after your birthday,” Henson said. “But we're going to have it beforehand on the Friday.”
And, Henson said, it’s all for the kids from three area schools – Wellington Heights Public, St. Ann’s Catholic, and Fonthill Montessori.
“They have a lot of fun and they go out of their minds. They scream their heads off.”
Between 250 and 300 kids will be in attendance to witness Flossie’s appearance and learn whether spring will come early or if there will be six more weeks of winter.
“We look forward to it every year,” Henson said. “I believe this is our 31st year running it.”
While primarily an event for the school kids, members of the public are also welcome, Henson said.
“We get local families that come with young toddlers that are not quite in school yet, with older siblings.”
The Lions also held a colouring contest to honour Flossie. The winners will be announced at the event, which will also feature hot chocolate and cookies for those who turn out.
Festivities get underway at 9:30 a.m. when kids begin arriving at the park with Flossie making her appearance at 10 a.m.
Centennial Park is located at 989 Church St. in Fenwick.