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Striking up the band (shell) for Petrolia’s big birthday bash

April 22, 2023

Petrolia is giving itself a big birthday present for a milestone year.

Town council has approved the construction of a new bandshell for Victoria Park in honour of the town’s 150th anniversary in 2024.

Laurissa Ellsworth, director of marketing, arts and communications, recently told council the Petrolia 150 committee looked for four things in a $200,000 legacy project; something available for everyone to use, accessible, something that would be a low or no cost facility not limited to just one age group and it must be prominently displayed in the community.

The new bandshell fit the bill, she says.

The stage will also house permanent accessible washrooms and a sound system for events like Christmas in the Park and Pizzafest.

Ellsworth says the bandshell is expected to cost about $250,000 with $200,000 coming from the town and the rest raised through commemorative clothing and coin sales.

Ellsworth says the current bandshell will be in use until the fall and the town hopes to have construction complete in early 2024.

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