Christmas kicks off in Petrolia with classic play about a famous newspaper editorial
Submitted Photo
Virginia, played by Veronica Bechard, and her parents, portrayed by Tabi Dupuis and Geoff Core, spot her letter in the New York Sun in the classic play "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" being staged by Petrolia Community Theatre this weekend.
Tabi Dupuis (Mama O’Hanlon), Geoff Core (Papa O’Hanlon), Veronica Bechard (Virginia O’Hanlon).
Christmas kicks off in Petrolia with classic play about a famous newspaper editorial
November 4, 2026
PCT brings ‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus’ to life
The Independent
Christmas comes to Petrolia with a classic play this week.
Petrolia Community Theatre brings “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” to life at Victoria Hall from Thursday until Sunday.
The play is story behind a letter written to the editor of the New York Sun by Virginia O’Hanlon asking if Santa Claus was real after her friends told her he did not exist.
The newspaper’s editorial writer famously wrote “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” He told the child Santa is as real as love, generosity and devotion.
The editorial became the most reprinted in history and has become a staple of Christmas books, songs and this play.
Tickets for the Petrolia Community Theatre Production can be purchased at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia box office.
Front Page
Sarnia Indwell building construction may start in spring
November 4, 2026
OLT gives organization okay to move ahead Heather Wright/The Independent Up to half of Sarnia’s chronically homeless people could find a place to live and get support by 2028. That after the Ontario Land Tribunal cleared the way for Indwell to begin building a 35-unit supportive housing development on George Street in Sarnia. In February, Sarnia’s committee of adjustment refused
Read More
Front Page
LCCVI finishes on top of Sr. Girls Basketball standings heading into playoffs
November 4, 2026
Barry Wright/The Independent Belle Stewart had 12 points to lead LCCVI to a 39-25 win over Wallaceburg in LKSSAA senior girls’ AA basketball Tuesday. Aliya Anderson and Keeley Montiero had nine and eight points for the Lancers who finished the regular season in first place with a 5-1 record. North Lambton finished second with a 4-2 record after beating JMSS,
Read More
Front Page
Eagle-eyed chocolatier spots wounded owl
November 3, 2026
Heather Wright/The Independent You might call Jaclyn Sanders eagle-eyed. Sanders, who has won international acclaim as the owner of Guild Chocolates, is getting praise for a different reason – her role in rescuing a Great Horned Owl. The majestic birds live in any semi-open areas with trees or grasslands, according to the National Audubon Society, but not usually in small
Read More
Front Page
LCCVI Sr. Girls’ aiming for LK basketball final
November 3, 2026
Ryan Aarts/The Independent The LCCVI Lancers senior girls basketball team is ready for the LKSSAA playoffs after a strong regular season. The Lancers have a 4-1 record in the regular season, with their most recent victory coming in a 53-36 win over North Lambton on October 29. They also defeated Wallaceburg 37-29 earlier in the season. LCCVI closes out the
Read More