Heather Wright/The Independent

“Wow – what a year!”

That from the chair of the Petrolia 150 Committee as the town wrapped up the official celebrations of Petrolia’s sesquicentennial New Years’ Day.

“One year ago today, we kicked off a year for the record books,” Mayor Brad Loosley told the people gathered in the morning sunshine, describing the year-long celebration as “incredible. We saw our community join in celebration.

“Petrolia was once again put on the map in a big way.”

Loosley estimates with visitors to Victoria Playhouse Petrolia – which regularly draws about 40,000 people during the theatre season – about 100,000 people came to town during the anniversary year. He says that could create as much as $16 million in economic spinoff.

Loosley said none of it would have been possible without dedicated volunteers.

“The number of volunteer hours for the Petrolia 150 events alone has been estimated around 25,660 hours in 2024 not counting today. This does not include the 150 committee commitment over six years. The number is estimated at 16,980 hours of planning.”

Lambton County Warden and Mayor of Enniskillen Township, Kevin Marriott paid tribute to the people behind the scenes, including some residents of his township.

“It takes an army of volunteers to make these things work. So thank you so much to all those volunteers that give your heart and soul and do it for the year,” he said.

Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey was amazed by what was accomplished by the group.
“I said to the mayor, ‘ I think you must have had 150 events.’ It seemed to me, I got that calendar, and every day I looked at there was something more to do, and I’d check off what was done.”

Denise Thibeault headed up the 21 members of the Petrolia 150 committee. She says the group “looked every challenge in the face and didn’t shy away from making it happen for the residents of Petrolia.

“I would like to thank our committee members for everything they have done so selflessly for six years to benefit Petrolia,” Thibeault said adding she would miss the group because they’re “not only a committee, but we’re also friends.”

CAO Rick Charlebois also thanked the volunteers saying “Our community showed the world what pride in your town and heritage really is, and ultimately, what life is truly like in a small town.”

Over the course of the year, there were 150 events celebrating 150 years, with everything from free swims and skating, a gala event, a three-day music festival with Canadian music giants and two massive parades, one during the August Hard Oil Music Festival weekend and the annual Santa Claus parade.

Loosley said all that was due to the volunteers. “These folks are members of our community … please share with me in thanking them on behalf of Petrolia for their efforts and their passion for this project, and most of all for the gift of time to ensure that our community had the most memorable year on record.”

The committee volunteered almost to the last minute of 2024, hosting a New Years’ Eve party, complete with a short fireworks display, at the Greenwood Recreation Centre.