We're a hearty bunch, but Jack Frost came out swinging on First Night

Inside was the place to be Wednesday night and the organizers of the annual First Night Oil City had plenty of places for folks to stay warm.

Getting there, however, was another story. 

The crowds were understandably small. The snow covered roads and sidewalks were no fun to traverse. But the smell of sauerkraut upon entering Trinity United Methodist Church immediately warmed you up. And there was plenty to do even if that was the only place you went.

Clowns making balloon hats and painting faces, magic and storytelling as well as the popular family bluegrass band Echo Valley were all under one roof along with some pretty good-looking pies and the traditional kraut mixed with pulled pork and sides of nacho chips and cheese sauce.

But for those willing to brave the winds and snowflakes and venture out for more, there was a variety of music to be enjoyed on both sides of town.

The evening started at the National Transit building with HOLeY Jeans singing in the stairwell after the weather drove them inside. Families could make festive hats and later venture to the Great Room for music from Noah Grice Band or into the former Graffiti Gallery space for a drum circle. 

Just down the street, the St. Stephen's School robotics club gave demonstrations at Wye Bridge Hobbies.

The fireworks were shortened due to the blowing wind but still provided a colorful start to the evening festivities.

The Southside had acts in Baked Goods from Heaven, the YWCA, Christ Episcopal and Calvary churches and Woods & River Coffee.

This all to help attendees say goodbye to 2025 as we gear up for our nation's 250th year celebration of declared independence in 2026.

​Happy New Year everybody!