The Independent

Petrolia will close out its 150th anniversary year with a bang.

The Petrolia150 Committee is planning a family New Years’ Eve Party at the Greenwood Recreation Centre.

Laurissa Ellsworth, director of marketing, arts and communication for the town, says the party starts at 4 pm with free public skating, music provided by a DJ, and free hotdogs and pop provided by Councillor Ross O’Hara and his wife, Cathy.

“They were actually supposed to be $1.50 but they stepped forward and said they wanted to provide that option,” says Ellsworth.

The grand finale will be fireworks. “Around eight o’clock, we’re going to head outside for a fireworks display that we’ve requested be all green, white, silver and gold,” she added.

Shuttle buses will be available New Years’ Eve to bring people to the party and home again. And they’ll make stops at places like the Royal Canadian Legion in Petrolia, who will be hosting adult New Years’ Eve parties.

The event wraps up a year of celebration which included everything from a Gala Night January 1, to Victoria Teas, the dedication of a new bandstand and Indigenous Garden, the Hard Oil Music Festival and a massive parade in August.

“We took the approach of trying to provide a little bit for everybody,” says Ellsworth saying some of the events brought Petrolia natives home to celebrate. 

“We’ve seen a lot of families, a lot of seniors. We’ve seen a lot of former residents that have come back to visit family, that have attended events. 

“And, you know, with having the Musical Ride and the town crier competition and things like that, we have witnessed a lot more tourism to events actually.”