In 2024, Petrolia will celebrate a major milestone – the Oil Town will celebrate 150 years of incorporation. Known affectionately by volunteer Committee members as a Sesquicentennial Celebration, the 150th, our big birthday and more, a team of community members have been hard at work since 2018 brainstorming, discussing, surveying, planning, and figuring.
Hampered only slightly by some online event applications being closed in late 2020 through to late 2022 or early 2023, the Committee has continued to meet monthly and plan activities, events, and reasons for people to celebrate together. “Our committee has taken a clear approach from the very first meeting, and that is to involve as many people in the planning and execution of our events as we can, and to create events and activities that pull as many residents and former residents together as possible.” Said, Denise Thibeault, Chairperson for the Petrolia 150 Committee.
At the regular meeting of Petrolia Council this evening, the Council heard the Committee’s recommendation for a Legacy project for the community. As some background, the Committee identified their approach, which included that the Petrolia 150 Committee identified the goal of creating a Legacy Project that would benefit the community for many years. The Committee believed that this project should meet the following guidelines:
1. Be available for use for all.
2. Be fully accessible.
3. Be an item that is a low-cost/no-cost option for use, that is not limited to one age group.
4. Take a prominent physical position in the community.
Although many projects were discussed, none of the projects fit all four of the required parameters. However, recently, the Petrolia 150 Committee became aware of a community need and discussed the option at the Sub-Committee level as an item for consideration for the Legacy Project.
Through recommendation to Council, the Committee was delighted to receive approval to replace the existing bandshell in Victoria Park, Petrolia with a new fully accessible one that addresses the following:
• Meets AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act) Compliance
• Available for use by all members of the community as an outdoor stage space or for outdoor gathering for music, etc.
• Permanent accessible washrooms
• New sound and lighting for events (Christmas in the Park, Art in the Park)
• Continued use by churches, services clubs, Town of Petrolia events (Pizzafest, Art in the Park, and Christmas in the Park) and many other groups and organizations
The expected project cost is approximately $250K, with $200K in the 2023 Town of Petrolia Capital Budget and the remaining expenses to be fundraised through the Petrolia 150 Committee with Coin Set, clothing, and souvenir sales.
The expected timeline is that the existing unit would be removed in early September 2023, (after the scheduled community use for Art in the Park, Pizzafest, and the non-denominational church activities planned throughout the summer). Work would take place in the fall of 2023, and the bandshell would be open with a celebration in the late spring of 2024.
The Committee was also pleased to bring the first glimpse of the 2024 activity plans to the public and look forward to furnishing a detailed list later in 2023. “…It’s a reminder to “Save the Date” and to reach out to family, friends and other to do the same.” Said, Laurissa Ellsworth, Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications for the Town of Petrolia.
The Committee will look to launch a website and social media presence in the coming months as they prepare for some “…really big announcements! You only turn 150 once!” Added Ellsworth.
SAVE THE DATES
JANUARY
Monday – 1 — Petrolia 150 Event 1-3pm, 730pm-1030pm
FEBRUARY
Fri-Mon 16, 17, 18 & 19 — Family Fun Days Weekend
MAY
Sat & Sun – 25 & 26 — Two Day Petrolia 150 Event – Greenwood Park
Saturday – 25 –Farmers’ Market Grand Opening
JUNE
Saturday – 1 — Pizzafest
Fri-Sun 14, 15 & 16 — Three Day Petrolia 150 Event – around Petrolia
JULY
Monday – 1 – Canada Day Celebrations
Fri & Sat 12 & 13 — Art in the Park
Saturday 13 – Barn Dance
AUGUST
Thurs – Sun 15, 16, 17 & 18 — Four Day 150 Event – Around Petrolia, and Greenwood Park
SEPTEMBER
Saturday – 14 — Harvestfest – Farmers’ Market
DECEMBER
Friday – 6 – Christmas in the Park, Chili Cook Off
Saturday – 7 – Christmas Market, 10-3
Saturday – 7 – Santa Claus Parade – 2pm “Celebrating Petrolia 150”
Tuesday – 31 — Petrolia 150 Closing Event
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