Canada Day is going virtual in Petrolia this year – but there will still be plenty of in-person events to take part in both at home and around town.
The Royal Canadian Legion will start things off at 9 am with a pancake breakfast, which also includes sausage and bacon. Orders will be for takeaway and can be made before Canada Day by calling 519-882-1201, or on Canada Day at 519-882-1557.
The traditional flag raising at Victoria Hall will take place at 10 am. People are welcome to gather in their cars or groups of 10 or less and join in the O Canada sing-a-long.
Anyone up for some exploring can check out the “Tour de Petrolia” rally. Participants can deck out their cars and bicycles in their best red and white and travel to five locations around town to receive surprise items and stamp in their rally passport. Anyone who makes it to all five stops will be entered in the draw to win $100 in Petrolia Bucks to spend at businesses in town.
An extra ballot in the draw is available to anyone who brings a homemade birdhouse to Bridgeview Park during the day.
A number of contests give people plenty to do at home in anticipation of Canada Day. Contests are being held for best decorated house, vehicle, bicycle, wagon, and top family photo. Tech savvy participants are invited to send in their best Canada Day themed TikTok videos to win Petrolia Bucks. Town currency is also available for the lucky grill master who sends in the video with the top technique on the BBQ.
Anyone musically inclined can send in a song about Canada that will make up Petrolia’s “Great Canadian Playlist” to be streamed in town throughout the day.
The celebrations will even include virtual fireworks.
With the cancellation of all Canada Day Fireworks festivities due to COVID-19, Tourism Sarnia-Lambton is partnering with all 11 municipalities in Lambton County of the virtual display. . Utilizing snapd’s Augmented Reality platform, the community can expect local content and a virtual fireworks experience.
“We have been working with municipalities throughout Lambton County to bring this experience to our residents and visitors and are excited to be able to offer this platform which will allow everyone in our community to Celebrate Canada Day even if we have to be apart.” said Mark Perrin, Executive Director, for Tourism Sarnia Lambton.
“It was a natural extension for us to do our part by connecting local neighbourhoods for the holiday and setting the stage for engagement through augmented reality as our communities reopen,” commented Daniel Ramlogan, Chief Strategy Officer of snapd.
Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield will lead the final countdown at 9:30pm EST. People can access the Canada Day experience by downloading the snapd HUB app on their mobile device.