It's Groundhog Day, a day when many look to rodents to predict the end of winter
Thousands across the country are expected to turn to four-legged forecasters with names like Wiarton Willie and Shubenacadie Sam today to learn if spring is just around the corner.
Folklore has it that if the groundhog sees its shadow when it emerges from its burrow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter.
If the groundhog doesn't see its shadow, then tradition says spring is on the way.
In Wiarton, Ont., the festival leading up to this morning's ``official prediction'' by the town's albino groundhog, Willie, began on Jan. 27.
Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam has the honour of making the first North American prediction of the day due to the province's time zone.
In Pennsylvania, it will be the 131st Groundhog Day at Gobbler's Knob as Punxsutawney Phil reveals his prediction to the president of the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
And closer to home, Fenwick Flossie, Niagara's most famous weather prognosticator is getting ready to let us know if we can expect six more weeks of winter or an early spring.
About 300 school children will be bused in this morning for the event which is now into its 24th year.
The festivities begin at 9:30 this morning.