As the 20th Anniversary of First Night® Oil City approaches, the planning committee has finalized plans for a truly gala anniversary event for New Year’s Eve on December 31st. Beginning in 1997, this family-oriented, non-alcoholic celebration showcases performing groups from among the 224 uniquely groups that have performed at least once in prior years.
Entertainers this year include: RPR Band (former members of Tanglefoot, Canadian roots); Cahal Dunne (Ireland’s piano man); Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin impersonators; Mitch Littler (blues via vocals and playing multiple instruments); The Butler Clowns (humor, magic, skits, balloons, and music); Captain Magic (magician); Carol Weakland (actress, author and story-teller who brings literary classics to life); Neil Jacobs (12-string guitarist); Asleigh Bennett (vocals, keyboard and ukulele); and, Bill Sandusky (Erie Ice Works ice sculpture).
Performers joining for the first time include: Echo Valley Bluegrass Band, (a Western Pennsylvania family band comprised of seven siblings); Porcelain Bus Drivers (dance band that plays everything, from rock to country, rap, modern, 60’s through today); the Porter/Huber Jazz Quartet featuring area instrumental jazz musicians Nelson Porter, Bill Huber, Jr., Preston Huber and Patrick Huber; and, Gary Auerbach (a World Freestyle Frisbee Champion).
Other First Night events will include two fireworks displays (large display – 7 p.m. and send-off burst – Midnight); a Cool Night Light People’s Procession, hat-making, craft-making; outdoor bonfires; a drum circle; and, having your photo taken with a beautiful ice sculpture.
An admittance button must be purchased and worn by attendees prior to entering any performance venue. Regular buttons cost $10 and jazzed up “blinky” buttons cost $15. If purchased prior to Christmas, regular buttons will be sold at a reduced price of $8 each. Children ages 5 and under, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted at no charge. Buttons are available at the following locations: Venango Area Chamber of Commerce; Days Inn; Karma Coffee; Transit Arts Gallery; The Sleep Shoppe; Oil City Library; and Spilling the Beans Coffee House. On New Year’s Eve, buttons will only be available after 5 p.m., at Spilling the Beans, Karma Coffee, and the National Transit Building.
Please join us for an evening of family fun, fireworks, fanfare, children’s events, and stellar entertainment brought by the Oil City Arts Council and many wonderful sponsors. Three vans will be available for transporting First Night revelers about town throughout the evening.
A complete overview of all Oil City First Night events and performance locations will be published in Good Times in an issue after the Christmas Holiday. For additional First Night information, please contact Susan Williams at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce at: swilliams@venangochamber.org or follow First Night Oil City on Facebook. Also, a new Snapchat & Twitter experience will be a part of the fun this year.
