A new event in Petrolia aims to showcase the best the town has to offer.
Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications Laurissa Ellsworth said Eats, Beats, and Boutiques will replace the popular Pizzafest.
"The change came because our little event staff and volunteer committee said it might be nice how we can better support all of our businesses," said Ellsworth. "What we were noticing with Pizzafest, is suddenly the bakery was making pizza shaped cookies and other stores were having pizza type specials. So we said ok, if everyone is willing to band together to make something fun for Pizzafest, wouldn't it be great if we just created an entire celebration atmosphere and they were able to do what they want to do."
She said the family friendly event has something for everyone.
"We have over 70 merchants participating, over 25 restaurants, over 110 street vendors so crafters, creators and artists that will be down the middle of Petrolia Line. And then on top of that, we have three stages with either live music, a magician, acoustic entertainment and dance groups," said Ellsworth.
The inaugural Eats, Beats and Boutiques will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"It's free to attend and it's all ages, even the beer tent is age friendly and there's a great big Kid Zone, so we can keep those young folks interested as well," said Ellsworth.
She said organizers worked with schools, churches and businesses with large parking lots to offer plenty of free parking for visitors.
"And at each of those free parking lots, and all throughout Petrolia at over 25 stops will be free shuttle pick-ups. So you can park where ever you can find, and just head to the nearest shuttle pick-up station and a free Langs Bus Line shuttle will bring you to the event, and when you're ready to leave they'll take you back to your car."
Further details including a list of vendors and an event map is posted on the town's website.
Several roads downtown, including Petrolia Line will be closed to make it all happen. The full list of closures is below:
Petrolia Line East of Kerby Street to West of Centre Street
Petrolia Line East of Centre Street to West of Tank Street/Oil Street
Eureka Street South of Robert Street (access OPEN to Home Hardware and -Heidi’s YIG)
Fletcher Street South of Robert Street
Station Street South
Greenfield Street North of Walnut Street
Wingfield Street North of Walnut Street
King Street North of Dufferin Avenue
Queen Street North of Victoria Street
Princess Street North of Victoria Street
Centre Street/Albany Street will remain open.
