The Town of Petrolia is ready to celebrate the holiday season as a community with an array of activities planned for this weekend.
Festivities will kick off on Friday, December 5, with Christmas in the Park at Victoria Park.
Mayor Brad Loosley will be tasked with lighting up the park at 6 p.m.
“It’s about to look a lot like Christmas in Petrolia, and I can’t wait!" said Loosley in a media release. "On behalf of council, I could not be more grateful to everyone [who] makes these events so magical!”
During Christmas in the Park, service clubs will participate in the annual chili cookoff, and the Margaret Stokes IODE will offer hot chocolate and treats.
There will also be music and family wagon rides offered until 8 p.m.
"We do actually have another wagon coming this year for the wagon rides," said Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Julie Bullock. "So that should actually make things a little bit faster. There will be more opportunities for everyone to get out and see some lights."
On Saturday, December 6, Petrolia's Outdoor Christmas Market will be set up at the farmers' market site on Fletcher Street from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The parade in downtown Petrolia will start at 2 p.m.
Bullock said they have a lot of floats signed up to participate in this year's themed "Christmas at the Farm" parade.
"We're looking forward to seeing everyone's take on that," she said.
The parade route will start from Lambton Central Collegiate & Vocational Institute, will go west on Dufferin Avenue, north on Maude Street, and east on Petrolia Line to Oil Street.
The Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department will be collecting non-perishable food items during the parade.
Immediately after the parade, Santa Claus will be at the Petrolia YMCA to take photos with families. Treats and crafts will also be set up at the facility.
"We're always happy to have everyone come and join us," Bullock said.
Letters to Santa can be dropped off in a special mailbox at the Petrolia YMCA. Letters can also be emailed to letterstosanta@petrolia.ca.
Letters and emails to Santa will be accepted until December 15, and those with a return address/email will receive a reply.
