Petrolia Canada Day Family Fishing Derby Lots of Fun!

Petrolia – The annual Canada Day family fishing derby returned this year, and organizers were very pleased to welcome families to try their skills at catching a fish in Petrolia’s Little Lake in Bridgeview Park.

The annual fishing derby brought many families to the park and lots of first-time anglers had success in catching their first fish!  

We are pleased to announce the winners this year:

4 & under

1st place- Hallie Deelstra – 29” Carp

2nd place- Max Rainsberry – 12” Catfish

3rd place – Miller Hollingsworth – 6” Catfish

5–6-year-olds

1st place- Sadie Deelstra – 26” Carp

2nd place- Charlie Kitson – 21” Carp

3rd place- William Simone – 14” Catfish

7–9-year-olds

1st place- Wyatt Deelstra – 19” Catfish

2nd place- Lily Rankin – 15.5” Sucker

3rd place- James Jasmin – 15” Catfish

10–12-year-olds

1st place- Madison Butler – 23” Catfish

2nd place- Weston Piggott – 22” Catfish

3rd place- Archer Weed – 16” Sucker

13+

1st place- Jadin Vandenberghe – 31” Carp

2nd place- Tie Richards – 19” Catfish

3rd place- Chloe Reid- 18” Catfish 

Some quick statistics:

• 55 fish caught and released
• 1 root mass
• 1 snapping turtle

Director Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Julie Bullock said, “It was great to see so many young anglers out for the annual Canada Day Family Fishing Derby, the banks of Little Lake were packed with families. The weather was perfect, and the fish were biting – you can’t ask for better than that!”

We would like to extend a huge thank you to The Outdoorsman, CUPE Local 2393 and to the Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club for their sponsorship of the prizes, and to our volunteers that made the measuring look easy.  Thank you to all participants, please visit the Town of Petrolia, Ontario Facebook page to view a complete album of the winners.

Photo:  Age 4 & Under – 1st place- Hallie Deelstra – 29” Carp with Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club President Sandra Haines, and CUPE Local 2393 member, and long-time Town employee Todd Woolaver.

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.

Petrolia Announces Return of the Veteran Banner Program for Downtown

Alongside many communities, Petrolia is pleased to be working with Memorial Banners in the further development of a downtown banner program that will continue to be self-financed and contribute to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 216 and to Veterans Affairs.

The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The application forms will be online at www.town.petrolia.on.ca and available at the Town of Petrolia Municipal Office.

The cost of the banner is $275.00 plus HST, and it will be in place for a 3-year term, at which time they will be returned to the sponsor. 

Banners will be displayed each year around Remembrance Day throughout downtown Petrolia.

“…Honouring and remembering those that served with this program is a visual reminder of the sacrifices that many made for our freedom.” Said Thera Wagner, Marketing and Special Events Associate.