Town criers from across Ontario will descend upon Petrolia this weekend for the Provincial Town Criers Competition.
The Petrolia 150 Committee organized the event as part of the town's milestone anniversary celebrations.
Town Crier Committee Chairperson Barbara Prescott said the competition will be held at Victoria Park on Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
She said the competition will include nine competitors from areas such as Brantford, Bracebridge, St. Catharines, Uxbridge, Hamilton, and Colborne.
The unique tradition dates back and was used in ancient Roman and Greek times before spreading to British colonies. Prescott said town criers would deliver messages from the King and later served as spokesmen in the military.
"Lots of history, lots of costumes, there's something for everybody," she said.
Each competitor will perform three cries during the competition, two on Saturday and one on Sunday. Prescott said each of the judges will listen for particular aspects of each cry.
"One, for example, will judge for accuracy. The criers sent in advance their cries and the accuracy judge will make sure that every word is said exactly as the script that the crier has sent in advance and there are deductions for incorrect wording or too many stoppages, and that kind of thing," she said. "It's definitely a very medieval form of public speaking."
As per the Ontario Guild of Town Crier rules, Petrolia Crier Les Whiting and escort Karen Whiting cannot compete, but they will both play a vital part in the planned events.
Two U.S. guests will also be at the park, American Guild of Town Criers President David Rose and the 24th Official Town Crier for Provincetown, Massachusetts Daniel Gomez. However, they too will not be able to compete as they are not members of the Ontario Guild of Town Criers.
An awards ceremony will take place on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Also on Sunday, three winners from the Youth Crier Competition, held in May at Lambton Central Collegiate & Vocational Institute, will perform their cries at 10:30 a.m.
Admission is free.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs.
Meanwhile, the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department (PNEFD) will host an open house on Saturday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
"It’s exciting to be celebrating this milestone," said Fire Chief/Director of Public Safety Rick Cousins. "We have an amazing team here and have a proud history of exemplary service and commitment from 150 years of dedicated members.”
Guests will be able to take a tour, take photos with Sparky, and see restored and refurbished old equipment on display — including the 1925 and 1946 fire trucks.
There will also be learning opportunities as the Rope Team will demonstrate their repelling skills, and the Fire Prevention Trailer will be on-site to teach young people about smoke and fire.
The open house will be held at 370 Centre St.
While all are welcome, past members of the PNEFD are strongly encouraged to attend as Cousins will have a special gift for them.
Also, the sold-out RCMP Musical Ride will be held at Greenwood Park on Saturday and Sunday (rain or shine).