OIL CITY, Pa. – Oil City’s 12th Annual Christmas Past event will be held this Thursday November 29th through Sunday December 2nd, featuring a weekend full of music, food, family fun, and much more. This year’s festivities begin on Thursday evening at Oil City High School, with the 7:00 pm Heart of Christmas Concert by pianist Jeff Painter, presented by the Oil City Ministerium.
The Friday evening activities in Central Plaza will kick off with a Chili Cook-off sponsored by the Oil City Rotary. Registration begins at 5:00 pm, with judging beginning at 7 pm. Contestants are invited to enter one batch of chili according to the contest guidelines: additional chili will be sold by the Rotary for public consumption from 5 – 8 pm. All proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will benefit the Oil City Rotary’s elementary school dictionary project, which purchases and distributes dictionaries within the classrooms of our area’s youth to promote literacy.
The fun continues from 6 – 9 pm, with a bonfire, holiday caroling with the Oil City High School Choir, sales of hot chocolate, coffee & popcorn by the South Side Neighborhood Association, a Youth Philanthropy Bake Sale, Horse & Carriage Rides sponsored by Northwest Savings Bank, Santa’s Arrival at 6:15 pm, and Santa’s Playland at Christ Episcopal Church featuring photos with Santa and children’s activities hosted by PPC Violence Free Network.
On Saturday, the Oil City Main Street Program will host a “Jingle Bell Run” 5K Run/Walk at 9:00 am at Justus Trail. Registration and awards will be held at the Penelec maintenance garage along West First Street. Cost is $15.00 pre-registered or $18.00; proceeds benefit the Main Street Program’s downtown revitalization efforts.
“We invite all area runners and walkers to join us for a brisk way to start off the morning, then enjoy the many festivities in downtown Oil City throughout the rest of the day,” stated Kathy Bailey, Main Street Manager.
Saturday’s activities include Breakfast with Santa at St. Stephen School and a mix of annual favorites and new events such as the YWCA’s Sweet Treats, Victorian Christmas Bazaar at Knights of Columbus, and Yuletide Treasures Craft Show at Christ Episcopal Church. The Venango Museum will host its annual Christmas Tree Display as well as the Oil City Business Association’s Chocolate Festival and a concert by Mostly Brass, the National Transit Building, and the Arlington Hotel.
A new addition to the schedule this year is the Rockin’ with Santa Lunch and Dance Performance at the National Transit Building (reservations required by calling The Performing Arts Academy with Darin at 676-0478). The day wraps up with Soul Men, a Blues Brothers Tribute Band, performing at the Arlington Hotel.
The four-day event concludes on Sunday, December 2nd with the 7:00 pm Concert of Holiday Favorites by Venango Chorus at Good Hope Lutheran Church.
“Oil City’s Christmas Past is an annual tradition that features lots of fun for all ages,” stated Bailey. “We encourage everyone to come & enjoy the entertainment and activities, but to stop into our shops and restaurants while you’re walking through town, as well… you might be surprised at the great gift ideas that can be found right in Oil City.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, November 29th • Oil City High School
7 pm Heart of Christmas Concert by pianist Jeff Painter, presented by the Oil City Ministerium
Friday, November 30th • Central Avenue Plaza
5 – 8 pm Oil City Rotary Chili Cook-off
6 – 9 pm Bonfire
Caroling with the Oil City High School Choir
Horse & Carriage Rides, sponsored by Northwest Savings Bank
Hot Chocolate/Coffee/Popcorn Sales by Southside Neighborhood Association
Youth Philanthropy Bake Sale
6:15 pm Santa Arrives!
6 – 9 pm Santa’s Playland at Christ Episcopal Church
Photos with Santa and Children’s Activities hosted by PPC Violence Free Network
Saturday, December 1st • Various Locations
9 am Jingle Bell Run 5K: Justus Trail, hosted by Oil City Main Street Program
9 am – noon Breakfast with Santa & Activities: St. Stephen School
9 am – 2 pm YWCA Sweet Treats
9 am – 4 pm Christmas Tree Display: Venango Museum
Chocolate Festival: Venango Museum, hosted by Oil City Business Association
10 am – 4 pm Victorian Christmas Bazaar: Oil City Knights of Columbus
10 am – 4 pm Yuletide Treasures Craft Show & Sale: Christ Episcopal Church
11 am Mostly Brass Concert: Venango Museum
2 pm Rockin’ with Santa Lunch & Dance Performance: National Transit Building (reservations required: 676-0468)
6 pm Soul Men (Blues Brothers Tribute Band): Arlington Hotel, sponsored by Oil City Arts Council and Venango College (reservations required: 677-2391)
Sunday, December 2nd • Good Hope Lutheran Church
7 pm Concert of Holiday Favorites by the Venango Chorus
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