It’s been a busy couple of weeks in Petrolia.
The town saluted its senior of the year amid a slew of local events, with another one on deck next weekend.
Diane O’Dell, a lifetime resident, was recognized with an Ontario-based award for her years of community support, volunteerism, and advocacy of the development of youth. A longtime arts director with the Lambton Kent District school board, O’Dell mentored many children, Mayor Brad Loosley said in a statement.
“Over the past 24 years, our children have benefited from her knowledge, teaching, resources, and mentoring. She is always thinking of ways to touch and enrich other people’s lives,” he said.
For a quarter-century, O’Dell and a group of directors volunteered with a choral group of young people from various communities around Petrolia. She’s also been a big supporter of the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, taking on roles ranging from photographer to billet.
“Diane exudes confidence and is a woman of integrity and eloquence. We are all much better people for knowing her,” the mayor said.
She was presented with her award and a bouquet during a town council meeting on June 25.
Five days later, the town celebrated Canada Day with a slew of activities. The 155th birthday party started with a kids fishing derby and continued with breakfast at the town’s legion and a town-wide wild goose chase. Later that day there was live music, inflatable toys, and bed races – beds with wheels attached – at Greenwood Park.
The full-day celebration was capped off by fireworks, with the town offering free bus shuttles to the show.
With the country’s birthday party in the rear-view mirror, the town is now getting ready to host its Barn Dance country concert. Scott Manery and The Barnburners will be performing on July 9, along with Crop Tour.
“A fan favorite opening act from 2021,” the town said in a statement.
The all-ages, free event is at the town’s farmers’ market pavilion, with gates opening at 5:30 pm The Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club will be offering a barbecue, while concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
“Scott Manery is back with his awesome band, and they are ready to bring down the house once again with a night of non-stop, incredible entertainment,” Dave Menzies, the town’s director of community services and facilities, said in a statement.
