Oil City's last night of 2021

Was this truly a first night of 2022 or the heroic last night of 2021?

After a couple years of pandemic madness, December 31, 2021 may have been a good riddance celebration for those who believe the calendar means anything in the way of endings and beginnings.

Oil City is one of the few western Pennsylvania cities that puts on a "First Night" celebration, which offers folks an alternative to the bigger city gatherings in Pittsburgh and the like. This year's organizers, much like those in the past, focused on providing music in several genres at venues strewn across both sides of the Allegheny River.

---

The warm weather provided an opportunity for more comfortable outdoor walking around, but it was not friendly for the ice sculptures at all. The event closed out the year. At quick glance it may have seemed sparsely attended due to so many venues, but nearly 400 $10 buttons were sold. "We call it a win after not having it last year," said Martha Heisse who helps with the event. "It was busy with families early and adults later."

Dennis Geib gave three piano performances at the Venango Museum and invited Evan Wolfgong, a young man he referred to as a protege, to play as well

The popular folkie family band Echo Valley filled the Trinity United Methodist santuary with they twangy old fashion country bluegrass tunes.

Across the river, Max Schang played blues at the Christ Episcopal Church while the Route 8 band brought their classic rock set to the YWCA.

Other music from Randy Moorehead at Karma, Gravel Lick performed at Calvary and the Pine Valley Boys at the Transit Building, where the hat making also took place. Trinity also hosted the Butler Clowns, storytelling sessions, face painting and crafts.

Happy New Year!