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Black Gold Fest

Every Third Saturday in July

Come discover the fascinating history of Canada's first commercial oil wells while enjoying family-friendly activities, local vendors, and historical demonstrations.

Admission is FREE but donations are welcome. Your support enables us to offer engaging events and activities, preserve and build our collection, and deliver compelling programs that inform, inspire, encourage, and celebrate our local history.

Event Offerings

  • Airbrush face painting by Dreamweaver Face Painting and Mascots
  • Historical figure portrayal of an International Driller; oil drillers from Lambton County who took their unique skills and drilling expertise to oil fields all over the world
  • Horse-drawn wagon rides by Jardine’s Belgians

  • Petrolia's Black Gold Brewery will be onsite to provide alcoholic beverages for purchase to those 19+
  • Petrolia Lions will have food (hotdogs, hamburgers, fries etc.) available for purchase

  • Wood Strings Wind (WSW) will be performing instrumental family-friendly favourites from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

  • Ropemaking by Tyler Gray
  • Demonstration Gas Engine by Jeremy Robson
  • Blacksmith Historical Equipment and Techniques by James Stonehouse
  • Yarn Spinning on an Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel by Amanda Moorehouse

Interested in Volunteering?

We are looking for Special Event volunteers for the day of Black Gold Fest. All volunteers will receive a food voucher as a token of appreciation. If you or someone you know is interested in participating as a volunteer, please fill out our volunteer application form.

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