Oil City gearing up for First Night festivities

From staff reports

Oil City is gearing up for its First Night festivities on New Year’s Eve.

Following a hiatus of one year due to COVID-19 considerations, First Night Oil City will be held from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31.

The family-oriented, non-alcoholic party coordinated by the Oil City Arts Council will serve as the culminating event of the year-long celebration of Oil City’s 150-year anniversary.

First Night will include two fireworks displays, an array of live entertainment at multiple venues around town, outdoor bonfires, ice sculptures, hat-making and a drum circle.

There will also be a variety of children’s events including face-painting, crafting, clowns, balloon characters and storytelling.

Admission requires the purchase of a First Night button. The button cost is $10, and children 5 and younger are admitted free.

Buttons are being sold at the Oil City Public Library, Transit Arts Gallery & Gifts, Karma Coffee, the Venango Museum and the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce.