Youth Alternatives Hosts OHF Events

The Annual Oil Heritage Festival, hosted by the Venango Chamber for 43 years, is a true example of community partnerships. The festival includes dozens of activities beyond the four days formally promoted as OHF. Among those organizations who are involved in providing additional activities is Youth Alternatives (YA), who has been involved in the festival for longer than most of us remember.

The Tiny Tots competition and the Barrel Race, coordinated by YA staff, provide fun for the community, while raising funds for the summer camp program. Each summer area youth ages 8-15 attend a week long camp, and camp alumni, ages 16-18 assist as junior counselors.

Several years ago, when loyal volunteers retired from the coordination of the OHF Fun Fair, YA Executive Director Corrina Woods enthusiastically agreed to take on the event. Held at Central Avenue Plaza, the event offers families a chance to bring elementary aged children out to participate in crafts and activities. This year, like last, bags will be distributed so that families can pick up and take supplies home. The expectation is that the event will be held in person again next year.

This partnership between the Chamber and Youth Alternatives has been important to both organizations. Corrina explains that being involved in the festival is a great connection to young families. As her team works the festival, they get to know the community better and have time with local children. Corrina adds: “We want people to understand that our program offers youth an alternative to doing nothing or being idle after school. Some of the community may perceive that we work with troubled youth. We actually are open to all youth, offering after school activities, connections and tutoring. There is something for everyone. We give an alternative to the temptations that may present when they don’t have productive activities to be involved in.”

While any of the YA activities could be held at different times of the year, Corrina recognized the benefit of the shared marketing and promotion that Oil Heritage Festival offers.

The Chamber benefits from having a fully packed festival schedule and continues to invite businesses and organization to find ways they can be involved in the annual tradition of Oil Heritage Festival, held the 4th weekend of every July.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s July 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.