As the 20th anniversary of First Night Oil City rapidly approaches, the event planning committee is finalizing plans for a truly gala anniversary event for the New Year’s Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 31.
Having begun on Dec. 31, 1997, this fun actionpacked family-oriented non-alcoholic holiday celebration will showcase a host of the most popular performing groups from among the 224 uniquely
different groups which have performed at least once during the previous 19 celebrations, according to committee members.
Popular performing groups that will return 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 guitar, mandolin, drums and harmonica); The Butler Clowns (humor, magic, skits, balloons and music); Captain Magic (magician); Carol Weakland (actress, author and storyteller 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).
Other 20th anniversary First Night events will include two fireworks displays — a large display at 7 p.m. and a send-off burst at midnight; a Cool Night Light People’s Procession, hat-making, craft-making; outdoor bonfires; a drum circle; and an ice sculpture for photo opportunities.
An admittance button must be purchased and worn by attendees prior to entering any performance venue.
Regular buttons will cost $10 each and special “blinky” buttons will sell for $15 each.
If purchased prior to Christmas, regular buttons will be sold at of $8 each. Children 5 and under, if accompanied by an adult, will be admitted at no charge.
The committee anticipates that the buttons will be available for purchase by Thanksgiving 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.
Sites available for button purchase on New Year’s Eve will be announced at a later date.
More information on this Oil City Arts Council event is available on Facebook.
The committee plans to announce more entertainers as they sign on for this year’s event.
