Downtown Petrolia will be busy with holiday festivities this weekend.
Following a two-year pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas in the Park will return on Friday followed by several activities on Saturday.
"It's nice to be back to what we would consider normal for Petrolia," said Director of Marketing, Arts and Communication Laurissa Ellsworth.
Christmas in the Park will kick off Friday evening with a chili cook-off competition, involving about six service groups.
The lighting of the lights event will begin at Victoria Park at 6 p.m. and residents are encouraged to bring ornaments to decorate the community Christmas trees.
"We have a photo booth set up and an angel tree," said Ellsworth. "We offer hot chocolate, free cookies, and wagon rides [until 8 p.m.]"
The annual Santa Claus Parade will begin at 2 p.m. from Lambton Central Collegiate & Vocational School.
This year's theme is "Christmas Under the Sea" and Ellsworth said people seem to be really excited about it.
"We have heard of special guest appearances by perhaps Ariel the Little Mermaid, the mama shark and baby shark family, Nemo and Dory, and who knows who else -- lots of under the sea characters," said Ellsworth.
The parade route will travel along Dufferin Avenue, up Huggard Street, and down Petrolia Line to Oil Street. Santa will then greet children at the YMCA from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Local firefighters will walk in the parade, collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations for the food bank.
Also on Saturday, Ellsworth said residents will be encouraged to "Shop like Santa."
"You can win jingle bucks just for shopping in Petrolia and enjoy some carolers around town," she said.
An outdoor Christmas Market will also return following a successful event held last year. More than 30 craft vendors have signed up for the market on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., on Fletcher Street.
