Junior Olympics, children’s parade return to festival

Posted By: VenangoExtra.com July 26, 2022

From staff reports

The Junior Olympics and children’s parade were brought back into the Oil Heritage Festival lineup of activities this year after a two-year hiatus.

Edward Shontz Jr. and Chris Salvo organized both events.

More than 100 children participated in the Junior Olympics, which was held Thursday at Oil City High School.

Some of the changes included the addition of an obstacle course and a new age group for competitors as ages 3 and 4 were added to the categories of competition.

Shontz said the 3-5 age group had the most participants this year.

Ribbons were awarded to first, second and third-place winners in each of the following track and field competitions: tunnel crawl, obstacle course, 50-yard dash, 100-yard dash, ball throw and ball kick.

Three Oil City clubs donated money for a picnic lunch for the athletes and numerous volunteers who helped conduct the event.

The children’s parade was also held Thursday. There were 66 children featured in the march on the South Side of town.

Goodie bags containing items donated by local stores, merchants and community groups were given to each child.

There were six themed categories in which children competed.

Here is a rundown of the winners:

Patriotic — Michele Dashner and her children Ryker, Caiyson, Allison, Emma, Cameron, Bryce, Kara, Aliana, Ruth and Simon, first; and Colten Lawson, second. Third place was a tie between Enyn Moore and Adyson Moore, and Riley, Rayna and Nicholla Antrilli.
Wheels — Lincoln and Ensley Shontz, first; Silas Haviey and Kyan Budzinski, second; and Kennedy Karns and Nicholas Antrilli, tied for third.
Sports — Kallie Gilmore and Brynlee Boyer, first; and Genevieve Karnish and Deacon Karnish, second. Tying for third were and Greyson and Easton Lawson, and Gideon, Thatcher and Jackson Stone.
Animals — Theo Camden, first; Lincoln Reed, second; and Athena Shreffler, third.
Historical figures — Alaina May and Riley Antrilli, tied for first; Emma, Mia and Ezra Fleeger, second; and Lillian Weaver, third.
Cartoon characters/Superheroes — Hope, Bella, Claire and Hunter Harriett, first; and Daphne Hulsizer, second. Third place was a tie between Jacob and Hunter Goodman, and Maverick and Holden Karns.