Petrolia residents and borough council members gather at Petrolia Community Borough Park on Tuesday to discuss event details for Petrolia’s 150-year celebration. Many of the residents involved in the planning of this year’s celebration were present during the time capsule ceremony in 1973. Front, from left, are Melissa Wilson, Pam Osmer, Robin McGinnis, Kristie Christie and Pam Deal. Pictured in the back are James Barnes, Linda Volaric, Darleen Angert, Diane Yasika and Denise Price. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle

PETROLIA — In 1973, a group of local residents and community leaders in Petrolia buried mementos to be reopened by a second — and third — generation of borough residents 50 years later.

Many of the children of those community members — now grown and part of various councils or committees themselves — are preparing to unearth the capsule at 4 p.m. July 29 during the borough’s 150-year anniversary event.

On Tuesday, May 30, Petrolia residents and borough council members made preparations for the 150-year anniversary and time capsule opening celebration.

Committee member Mark Lauer said that any leftover funds from the celebration should be used or later invested in Petrolia Community Borough Park.

The event is possible because of donations from local businesses, companies and community members.

“We had no money to start,” said Melissa Wilson, community member.

Wilson was 12 when the time capsule was buried. Her father, Eugene Blair, was a centennial committee member in 1973. He participated in the original time capsule ceremony along former Petrolia Mayor Don Bullman and others. Wilson’s nephew, Alex Popichak, designed the shirts being sold for the event.

When asked if she had been involved in the original 1973 ceremony, she motioned to the members around her.

“We all were as kids,” she said.

Once the 1973 capsule is dug up in July, council members will decide whether to bury a second time capsule that would be opened in 2073.

Further discussion will take place at 6:30 p.m. June 13.

Self-described “Southern rock band” Brother and Friends will be playing from 5 to 8 p.m. The names of other musicians performing are not yet confirmed.

Food vendors will include a barbecue truck, The Sweet Gremlin bakery, Oil Boom Saloon and The Snowman.

Children-friendly activities including face painting, canvas painting and a cornhole tournament will be offered.

The event also will feature a car show, raffle and silent auction.

Visitors interested in attending the event will be able to park in the Sonneborn and INDSPEC Chemical Corporation lots.