TWELFTH ANNUAL PETROLIA PIZZAFEST A CHEESY GOOD TIME!

Petrolia, ON – Petrolia Pizzafest organizers are celebrating a resounding success following Saturday June 7’s event in Victoria Park, Petrolia.  Six pizza vendors were in the park and served a staggering amount of pizza.  Line ups were stretching across the park, at times, while attendees waited for a slice from the vendor of their choice, and empty pizza boxes could be seen piling up between deliveries. 

More than 6,500 slices were sold at the event, that started at noon and wrapped up at 7:30 p.m.  Proceeds from the event were presented to the Petrolia Community Fund at the June 23, 2025, Town Council meeting. The Petrolia Community Fund awards grants to Petrolia organizations that support the town’s goals and initiatives for a safe and healthy community.

Petrolia is not short on pizza restaurants looking to fill hungry bellies, and event organizers were pleased to host six participants for 2025 – Domino’s Pizza, Godfather’s Pizza, Johnny G’s Premium Pizza, Petrolia Pizza & Subs, Pizza Hut, Petrolia, and Wise Guys Inc. 

Four bands, including Smoke Break Duo, Speed Wobble, 402 West Band and Leave Those Kids Alone rocked the TD Stage in Victoria Park all day as part of the free entertainment; residents enjoyed the music from the comfort of their lawn chairs set down in the shade of the giant maples throughout the park.  The First Petrolia Scouts sold cold treats, the Petrolia Lions Club tempted visitors with fries, burgers and more, The Rotary Club of Petrolia sold 50/50 tickets, Petrolia and Area Kiwanis Club members sold candy and snacks, and the Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club offered cold drinks. Young people were able to bounce and play all day in the bouncy houses.

Julie Bullock, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities estimates that, “More than 2,500 people enjoyed the pizza, family fun and ice cream.”  The estimated economic impact in Petrolia for an event such as this is around $126,700.00 for the seven-and-a-half-hour event using the TREIM model. 

The event was generously sponsored by TD Bank, Bourque Renovations, Rick and Barb Charlebois, and Crimestoppers.  The crowd was well cared for by the Support Operations Response Team (SORT).

“Events like this don’t happen without a very long list of volunteers.” Said Mayor R. Brad Loosley, who added that “…We are so fortunate to have so many passionate people in our community who participate and make the community signature events a huge success!”

THE BARN DANCE IS READY TO ROCK PETROLIA – JULY 12

Petrolia – Saturday, July 12, 2025, Scott Manery and The Barnburners are back, and with them, local favourite Colt McLauchlin! 

The Barn Dance will take place at the Petrolia Farmers’ Market Pavilion, with gates opening at 6:00 p.m.  The Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club will be available with their bar-be-que, and the Lions Club of Petrolia will be there with their food truck, and fresh-cut French fries!  The beer garden will open at 6:00 p.m. also.  Attendees are asked to please bring lawn chairs should they wish. The Barn Dance is free to attend, and all ages are welcome.

The return of this highly anticipated annual event is sponsored by McDonald’s Petrolia, Bourque Renovations, Barb & Rick Charlebois, Holland Cleaning Supplies and Riverside Print and Signs. This event is made possible with the support of the Community Services Advisory Committee, and SORT volunteers.

“…Scott Manery is back with his awesome band, and they are ready to bring down the house once again with a night of non-stop, foot-tapping entertainment!” Said Julie Bullock, Director of Community Services and Facilities.