The Village of Oil Springs will celebrate its 160th anniversary this weekend with several free family-fun activities, including the annual Black Gold Fest.
Mayor Ian Veen said it's always nice to recognize the village, as they typically celebrate every 10 years.
"It's a great community and the people in it are just fantastic," he said. "It just goes to show that over the years, they made the right decision in where they put Oil Springs."
Celebrations will kick off on Saturday, July 19 with a Hobby and Pet Parade, which will begin at 11 a.m.
The parade route will travel from Hannah Street, to Oil Springs Line, to Kelly Road, and back to The Village of Oil Springs Youth Centre on Victoria Street.
"Then we have inflatables for the kids, we have lawnmower pulls happening, we also have a thing where you can bet on how long a truck's going to run without oil in the motor, and we've got several bands ready to go," Veen said. "We should have activities the whole day."
Food and drink vendors will be set up outside the youth centre throughout the day and live music is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.
"Everyone has worked really hard to put this on," Veen said, commending those involved with planning.
Further details about planned festivities can be found on the municipality's website.
The annual Black Gold Fest will also celebrate the village's rich history with more demonstrations and exhibitors than usual.
The event at the Oil Museum of Canada will also include live music, crafts and activities -- such as face painting, and food and beverage vendors.
“Black Gold Fest is a celebration of the incredible innovation that started right here in Oil Springs. It is fitting that we can mark the Village of Oil Springs’ 160th anniversary at the same time,” said Marketing and Events Coordinator Jessica Stevenson in a media release. “We’re thrilled to acknowledge this special occasion with more interactive heritage demonstrations and engaging activities to spark imagination and curiosity in visitors of all ages.”
Black Gold Fest will be held from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
