For young professionals, by young professionals. This monthly newsletter is published by Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX), the young professionals group of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce.
Click here or the image below for a PDF of the FYI.
Find articles from the FLEX FYI on the Chamber’s blog.
Oil Heritage Festival Bike ‘n Brew is back this July! The event will be held on Saturday, July 20. The “Brew” portion of the festival event will be from 4 to 7 p.m. This year’s event will also feature a Biking Scavenger Hunt, where participants will ride their bicycles to stops along the trail in Oil City and take a photo at each spot. Bikers will get entered to win prizes for each place they stop. More info to come soon!
There are two ways to participate in the Brewfest:
• Curbside Pickup ($40): Pick up a package full of craft beers from local breweries in a cooler tote bag, along with fun swag from brewers and sponsors.
• VIP Ticket ($50): Includes the package listed above PLUS a tasting of various craft beers with Scierka’s Tavern while enjoying live music. This year we are offering additional VIP tickets!
Tickets go on sale June 1. Get your ticket before July 1 and save $5.
The beer activities will take place in the courtyard of the Venango Chamber. Bike ‘n Brew attendees can only bike or only brew, or “Bike AND THEN Brew!” It’s up to you! Get ready for a fun day of activities, local beer, prizes, live music, and more.
We are currently seeking event sponsors and brewery sponsors. To get your tickets or sponsor, visit ohfbikenbrew.org.
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) June 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
For young professionals, by young professionals. This monthly newsletter is published by Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX), the young professionals group of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce.
Click here or the image below for a PDF of the FYI.
Find articles from the FLEX FYI on the Chamber’s blog.
Eli Busch of Kingdom Guard Financial Group spoke at the first FLEX Speaker Series event of 2024. The topic of his presentation was “What They Didn’t Teach You About Money.” The presentation was informative for everyone and was not limited to advice for young professionals.
Eli noted the first thing everyone must determine before going forward is to establish a vision. This vision is not a set goal, as it is constantly evolving as you move through life. Once the vision is established, every decision made going forward should move you toward your vision.
It’s important to treat your personal money as a business. The gross revenue is the money from your paycheck. The profit is what is left over after all expenses have been paid. Money in savings may be used for funding “projects” like life events, vacations, or large purchases. The easiest way to track your money going out is to record your spending in a spreadsheet. Every transaction going out is recorded and categorized so you can view trends in your spending and monitor where your money is going. It is important to do this regularly. Monitoring your money going out makes it easier to budget for planned events.
Something that may seem far away for many young professionals is retirement. Eli recommends you should save 15-25% of your current income for retirement. When you retire, the money you put away today becomes your income. After you retire, you should prepare to take 4% of your retirement amount every year. Your age, income, and other factors would determine the exact amount that you should be contributing towards your retirement.
When it comes to managing your money, it is important to have open communication, whether that is between you and your significant other, or between you and your financial planner. Having regularly scheduled money talks helps ensure you are working towards your vision. It is important for anyone to plan their year ahead using these discussions. A financial planner may offer a thirdparty view into your financial plans to make sure your plans are in line with the current market.
While financial planning for yourself or your family may seem intimidating, Eli notes that small actions today can have major impacts in the future. It’s not worth putting off retirement planning or setting budgets for future events, because the sooner you set your vision, the easier it is to make these decisions!
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) May 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
Click here for the OHF Home Page where you’ll find forms, flyers, and more!
Click here for a Printable PDF of the OHF Schedule! (coming soon)
Wednesday, July 24th – Sunday, July 28th
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
Jack Rowley Charitable Trust
Samuel Justus Charitable Trust
Henry & Beverly Suhr
FIND MORE SPONSORS FOLLOWING THE SCHEDULE
FESTIVAL HEADQUARTERS
Located at: 228 Seneca Street
Hours:
• Wednesday: 6 PM – 9 PM
• Thursday: 12 PM – 4 PM
• Friday: 12 PM – 6 PM
• Saturday: 12 PM – 5 PM
• Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
*All event information is subject to change. Information will be added and updated as soon as possible.*
July 13
Oil Heritage Festival Softball Tournament
Hasson Heights and Mitchell Fields
Culligan Summer Fun Party
Culligan (425 Seneca Street, Oil City), 12 PM – 3 PM
Join the fun at Culligan for a Summer Fun Party. Learn what Culligan can do for your family while enjoying games, prizes, crafts, popcorn and snow cones! This event is free & open to the public. Parking is available at Oil City Community Alliance Church.
July 20
FLEX Bike ‘n Brew
Venango Chamber
Bike ‘n Brew is back for 2024! This year we will celebrate both curbside and in-person. Attendees receive a package with beer from local breweries & free merchandise. VIP ticket holders participate in a tasting event, too. There will be biking activities during the day.
More information found at ohfbikenbrew.org
July 23
Music at the Museum: Pine Valley Boys
Venango Museum, 7 PM
Admission is by donation at the door
Elks Club Chicken Barbecue
Sycamore Street, 4 PM, featuring barbecued chicken and pork
*The Elks Club will also be hosting an Everything Sale, inside the Elks Club on July 27th and 28th from 10 AM – 7 PM
Oil Heritage Festival Junior Olympics
Oil City High School Track, 5 PM registration, 6 PM start
– Pre-registration is preferred but not necessary. Click here for the registration form.
– Registration opens at 5 PM, Event begins at 6 PM
– A picnic dinner will be provided to participants and their families after the event
– Ages 3 – 12, two divisions, boys and girls in each group – age groups will be broken down closer to the event
– In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. If you are unsure, call the Venango Chamber Office at (814) 676-8521 or check here.
Oil Heritage Art Shows: Reception & Grand Opening
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street), 6 PM
Entry form linked here (PDF)
Oil Heritage Art Shows
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street) & Graffiti Gallery (228 Seneca Street), 6 PM – 9 PM
Entry form linked here (PDF)
Music on the Square: Tom Petty Tribute Band
Town Square, 7 PM – 9 PM
Sponsored by the Oil City Main Street Program
Youth Alternatives, Inc. Tiny Tots Contest
Children Ages 1-3, Deadline to enter Friday, July 19
Voting at HQ Wednesday – Friday until 4 PM
Winners will be announced Friday, July 26 6:45 PM before the evening concert
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Oil City Library Basement, 9 AM – 7 PM
Touch-a-Truck
Sponsored by the Oil City Library
Central Avenue Plaza, 11 AM – 2 PM
Oil City Curb Market
Central Avenue Plaza, 11 AM – 6 PM
Oil Heritage Art Shows
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street) & Graffiti Gallery (228 Seneca Street), 12 PM – 4 PM
Entry form linked here (PDF)
YWCA Spaghetti Supper
109 Central Avenue, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Adult – $13, Child 4-12 – $8, 3 &
under – FREE
Dine-In, Take-Out, and Drive-Thru
options!
Children’s Fun Fair
Hosted by Community Services
Central Avenue Plaza, 5 PM – 7 PM
Free activities for children of all ages!
See the flyer by clicking here
Children’s Parade
Lineup: 5:00 PM, Step-Off: 5:15 PM
– The children’s parade will take place IN Central Avenue Plaza this year. Children will line up in the FUN Bank parking lot, and then will be lead around the Plaza through the Fun Fair in a big loop. More details coming soon!
– Thank you to Child Development Centers for taking on this event!
Concert: Mostly Brass
Central Avenue Plaza, 5 PM – 5:45 PM
FLEX Ice Cream Social
Central Avenue Plaza 5 PM – 7 PM
Children’s Parade Winners Announcement
Central Avenue Plaza 5:45 PM
Concert: Mitch Littler
Central Avenue Plaza 6 PM – 7 PM
Venango Region Catholic School Festival
St. Stephen’s School Parking Lot, 6 PM – 9 PM
Outstanding Front Porch Contest: Winner Announcement
Central Avenue Plaza, 7 PM
Click here for the registration form. Deadline to registrar is July 16th.
OHF Queen Crowning
Central Avenue Plaza, 7:15 PM
Rain Location: Christ Episcopal Church
Evening Concert: Wyllis Street Band
Central Avenue Plaza 7:30 PM – 10 PM
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Oil City Library Basement, 9 AM – 5 PM
Oil Heritage Art Shows
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street) & Graffiti Gallery (228 Seneca Street), 12 PM – 6 PM
Entry form linked here (PDF)
City Of Oil City Children’s Pool Party
James A. Nelles Pool
Ages 0-6 from 12 PM – 3 PM, Ages 7-12 from 3 PM – 6 PM, FREE
Food Vendors
Enjoy food from local food vendors in the parking lot during the evening concerts!
**Don’t forget to patronize our downtown restaurants, too! There is so much to offer. Local restaurants include: Billy’s, McNerney’s, Bud’s Pizza, Double Play, Taco Shack, Baked Goods from Heaven, Famoore’s, Villa Italia, The Marvic Tavern, Woods & River, Open Door Café, Core Goods, Pizza Hut, Four Star Pizza, Domino’s Pizza, McDonald’s and more!
Oil Heritage Festival Craft Show
PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street), 5 PM – 9 PM
Find the registration form here
Boy Scout
Troop 17 Pork Chop Dinner
Hosted by Boy Scout Troop 17
First Presbyterian Church (215 East Bissell Avenue)
5 PM – 7 PM, Take-Out only, $12 per meal
Youth Alternative’s Annual Barrel Race
James A. Nelles Pool, 6 PM
YMCA Open Skate
Hasson Heights Dek Hockey Facility, 6-8 PM
Ages 8-14, $5 Admission, $5 Skate Rentals
Find flyer here
Venango Region Catholic School Festival
St. Stephen’s School Parking Lot, 6 PM – 9 PM
Concerts in the Parking Lot: Best Intentions
PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street), 5 PM – 6:30 PM
Concerts in the Parking Lot: Count The Years
PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street), 7 PM – 10 PM
Oil Heritage Festival Craft Show
PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street), 9 AM – 4 PM
Find the registration form here
Oil City Firefighters 5K Run/Walk
Race begins on West First and Petroleum Street, 9 AM
Pre-registration: $20, Day of registration: $25. Pre-registration deadline is July 24.
Registration form linked here (PDF)
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Oil City Library Basement, 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Ike’s Children’s Fishing Derby
Waltonia Park
Registration 8 AM, Fishing 9 AM – 10:30 AM
Bait provided, Bring fishing poles
Age groups: 5/6, 7-9, 10-12
Prizes for each age group!
Oil Valley Disc Society Disc Golf Tournament
Hasson Park Course, Tee-off 9 AM, Entry Fee $30
13th Annual Oil Heritage Disc Golf Tournament, Best shot doubles, BYOP (Bring Your Own Partner), Prizes for Closest to the Pin, with a cash prize awarded to 1st place team
• Registration available online at: discgolfscene.com/tournament/13th_Annual_Oil_Heritage_Doubles_Tournament_2024
• In-person registration will also be available on the day of the event starting at 8:00 AM at the park (cash only)
Bike Rodeo
Sponsored by PennDOT
Parking lot between CATA and PennDOT
Office, 11 AM Registration
Activities 11:30 AM – 1 PM involving bike safety, giveaways, and more!
Hot dog lunch provided by R. Lee James
Prizes donated by CATA
Oil Heritage Art Shows
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street) & Graffiti Gallery (228 Seneca Street), 12 PM – 6 PM Entry form linked here (PDF)
Oil Heritage Festival Parade
The area’s LARGEST parade!
Step off at 5 PM
Find registration form here: PDF or ONLINE
**CHANGES FOR 2024**
Due to the closure of the Veterans Bridge during the festival, this year’s parade will be held on West Third Street, starting at Mitchell Avenue and ending at Central Avenue. Please see the registration form for complete route information and answers to frequently asked questions. We are confident this change will have little effect on the overall experience of the parade and we encourage your participation.
Venango Region Catholic School Festival
St. Stephen’s School Parking Lot, 3 PM – 9 PM
The festival will pause as the parade passes by!
Concerts in the Parking Lot : The Bus Brothers
PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street), 5:45 PM – 7 PM
Concerts in the Parking Lot: Lawyers, Guns, & Money
PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street), 7:30 PM – 10 PM
Fireworks Spectacular
10 PM
Presented by Kellner Fireworks
Oil Heritage Arts Shows
National Transit Building (206 Seneca Street) & Graffiti Gallery (228 Seneca Street), 12 PM – 4 PM
Entry form linked here (PDF)
Wye Bridge Hobbies Model Car Show & Mini Swap Meet
247 Seneca Street, 11 AM – 3 PM
Oil Heritage Car & Motorcycle Cruise-In
PennDOT Lot (286 Elm Street), 12 PM – 4 PM
Find poster HERE
Oil Heritage Festival Basket Raffle Drawing
Festival HQ (228 Seneca Street), 4:30 PM
SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS
DBS Development & Consulting, LLC
BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS
THURSDAY ON THE PLAZA LEVEL SPONSORS
First United National Bank
Oil City Housing Authority
Oil Region National Heritage Area
Bert Klapec, Inc.
Electralloy
Reinsel Funeral Home & Crematory
Morrison Funeral Home
CAR CRUISE SPONSORS
LOGO
NAME
National Fuel Gas
USA Choice Internet
Edward Jones Oil City
Stifel
Rossbacher Insurance
Friedhaber’s
Central Electric Cooperative, Inc.
New Directions Community Credit Union
UFP Parker
Oil City Automotive Center
PATRON LEVEL SPONSORS
First Presbyterian Church
Ron and Pat Black
Oil City Vineyard Church
Klapec Auto Body, Inc.
Barb Crudo
Agway – Oil City
Komatsu