The Town of Petrolia is happy to welcome back holiday traditions, including Christmas in the Park and a Santa Claus parade.
Several events are scheduled to take place during the first weekend of December.
"It's fantastic news that we're able to return to more normal times," said Director of Facilities and Community Services Dave Menzies.
Plans for Petrolia events were announced shortly after the Ontario government lifted capacity restrictions for outdoor events, such as parades.
Christmas in the Park will take place in Victoria Park on December 3. Service Clubs and the Petrolia & North Enniskillen Fire Department will share sweet treats with attendees, starting at 5 p.m. Christmas in Petrolia will officially kick off at 6 p.m. when Mayor Brad Loosley lights up the park.
In an effort to follow public health measures, the annual chili cook-off has been postponed to 2022. Other traditions such as wagon rides, a nativity scene, and roasted marshmallows will not be done this year.
However, there will be a Magical Tour of Lights. Residents can drive around town to see decorated houses and businesses on December 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The addresses of decorated locations can be submitted to twagner@petrolia.ca. Maps will be available on December 1.
On Saturday, December 4, festivities will start in the morning with Petrolia’s first Outdoor Christmas Market. Menzies said about 25 vendors are signed up for the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Farmers’ Market site.
"We have numerous people on a waiting list so it has been very successfully received by the vendors and we're at capacity," he said.
Businesses in downtown Petrolia will also take part in a Shop Like Santa Christmas Shopping Event throughout the day.
Attendees can take a break from shopping in the afternoon to line the downtown streets for the All the Colours of Christmas parade at 2 p.m.
Menzies said they typically have 30 to 40 floats participate in the parade. Santa Claus will arrive on a customized sled.
"[The sled] has been redone after 30 years of using the same sled -- I think we owed Santa a new sled," said Menzies. "It was reupholstered and spruced up."
Although the parade is outdoors, Menzies said some COVID-19 measures will be in place, such as social distancing and wearing masks if social distancing is not possible. Attendees are asked to use an online sign in portal prior to the parade for contact tracing purposes. QR codes will also be placed around the parade route so that one person per family can check in.
Following the parade, Saint Nick will be on hand for pictures at the Petrolia YMCA.
During the meet and greet, Santa's helpers won't be checking the naughty and nice list but they will be checking for proof of vaccination. Those 12 years of age and older will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 when entering the YMCA, as per provincial regulations. Photos with Santa will be well staged and printed for families to take home. Masks will also be required while indoors but can be removed for a picture with Santa.
Christmas Letters and Wish Lists can be sent to Town Hall until December 15 via email letterstosanta@petrolia.ca. Letters can also be dropped off in the special mailbox at the Santa at The Centre (Petrolia YMCA) event.
There are also parades on in Watford and Wyoming this weekend.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, Santa Claus will stop in Watford for the annual parade which begins at the Watford community arena, before heading to Wyoming for Christmas in the Village starting at 5 p.m.