Oil City to Ring in New Year with ‘First Night’

| December 31, 2012

OIL CITY, Pa. – This year’s always popular First Night® Oil City will once again offer attendees a wide variety of outstanding entertainment complemented by two fireworks displays; a gala display at 7:00 p.m. and a “Welcome to 2013” volley at midnight.

The action packed family-oriented non-alcoholic celebration also will include outdoor bonfires, hat making, a kickoff People’s Fanfare Procession, children’s events, a drum circle at the Transit Annex Graffiti Gallery at 9 p.m., great food, and shuttle busses to transport people from venue to venue.

Over the years, those who attend First Night have often commented, “There’s so much to do – you won’t be able to do it all!”

The ‘Young at Heart’ events taking place during First Night this year include the Butler Clowns; magic by David Lawrence; storytelling by Linda Mertz; a Drum Circle; and, a People’s Procession at 6:45 p.m. that will make its way from the National Transit Building on Seneca Street to Justus Park just in time for the 7:00 p.m. fireworks gala display. Butler’s Clowns & balloon twisting, Magic by David Lawrence, and the Drum Circle will all take place at The National Transit Building. Storyteller Linda Mertz will perform at the Creekside Senior Center. This year’s hat making, crafting, face tattoos and mask making will all take place at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Noisemakers and “critters” will also be available.

A limited number of “Wishing Lights” will be sold in Justus Park and released at 7:15 p.m. after the first display of fireworks.

‘Theater and Dance’ oriented activities include Community Playhouse, Inc. performing at the Trinity United Methodist Church on the second floor.

Musical entertainment taking place on to help bring in the new year includes The Elmonics performing Doo-wop at the YWCA; Umojah Nation performing Reggae at the Christ Episcopal Church; the blues music of Rocky Lawrence at the Masonic Hall; Wurlitzer organist Dennis James at the Venango Museum; vocal duo Small Potatoes at the Trinity United Methodist Church Sanctuary; Jim Helmetzi’s guitar favorites at the Mosaic Café’; Matt Gavula singing vocals and playing the keyboard at Famoore’s Restaurant; Eddie St. Clair performing 70’s & 80’s music at the Trinity United Methodist Church, second floor; the Weckerly Family Band performing bluegrass and old-time favorites at theCalvary United Methodist Church; and, Dennis Geib playing piano selections at the Spilling the Beans.

The shuttle bus service will be provided by Baker’s Transportation and stops and pickups will take place at the Masonic Hall, Calvary United Methodist Church, Spilling the Beans, the rear entrance of the Mosaic Café (drop off only), Venango Museum and at the National Transit Building.

Admission to First Night Oil City events requires the purchase of a button. Balloon artist, The inKrEdible Ike will be riding on one of our buses, creating balloon art from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Those raising monies for the Aubrey’s Adventure Fountain Project will hold a Spaghetti Dinner at the Free Methodist Church on the South Side from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Attendees may choose to attend any of the 15 indoor events by purchasing and wearing a First Night Button. A 16 page event schedule accompanies each button sold. It contains all of the information you need regarding the events taking place on First Night. The fee for purchasing a button is $8 if buttons are purchased prior to December 25. Buttons purchased after December 25 or on the night of the show will sell for $10 each. Admission for children of age 5 years and under is FREE. Those purchasing admission buttons are provided a comprehensive program booklet when the purchase is made.

Pre-event sales sites include The Transit Fine Art Gallery, the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, William’s Decorating Center, Spilling the Beans Coffee Spot, America’s Best Value Inn & Suites ‘The Arlington Hotel’, the Oil City Library and at other sites to be announced.

Button sale sites after 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve will include The Arlington Hotel; located at 1 Seneca Street; Spilling the Beans Gourmet Coffee House, located at 2 W. Front Street; and, The Transit Fine Arts Gallery located at 206 Seneca Street.

The members of this year’s First Night Committee are Nancy and George Cooley, Jeff Corbett, Dan Feroz, Robert Flath, Lynn Pacior-Malys, Robin and Bill Moon, Gretchen McGinley, Mary Morgan, Kate Newman, Libby Williams and Susan Williams.

In order to continue the event from year-to-year, the Committee is always in need of additional members and community volunteers. If you are interested in joining the committee, serving as a volunteer, or need additional information, please contact Susan Williams at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce at (814)676-8521 or at: swilliams@venangochamber.org.


Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.

Tags: ,

Category: Events, Local News, News