Westmoreland
Arts and Heritage Festival

The Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival in getting ready for its 31st annual celebration this summer at Twin Lakes Park in Greensburg PA. The event will be held July 1-4 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. It is a tradition that many celebrate over the Fourth of July.

Each year over 100,000 people gather at the festival to enjoy food, observe crafters, view art, listen to music, and shop. The acclaimed festival has something for everyone which is why people keep returning year after year, according to Executive Director of the festival, Donnie Gutherie.

"Families and friends can spend the day together doing a variety of fun things and enjoying great ethnic food," says Gutherie. "In fact, the food is our biggest draw for many people."

Food vendors offer a wide variety of ethnic foods including Italian, Polish, Greek, Vietnamese, Lebanese, and others. Many find it difficult to decide between the delicious sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, pies and sweets, popcorn, and fried dough.

A major highlight for the 2005 season will be the Heritage Trail. The trail will be lined with five historical societies and four crafters. The historical societies involved are the Baltzer-Meyer Historical Society, Derry Area Historical Society, Latrobe Area Historical Society, Ligonier Valley Historical Society, and Westmoreland County Historical Society. Crafters include Matthew Stein, a woodworker; James Mikula, a quilter; Pat Selinger, a creator of children's wooden toys; Judy Treskovich, a wire jewelry maker. Entrance to this trail will be located near the wine tasting booth. "I really think this new addition will be a great way to bring more heritage into the festival," says Gutherie.

Another great attraction is the non-stop music playing from four different stages. Music styles cover contemporary, traditional, classical, and folk. Also on tap will be strolling performers and jazz performers, performance artists, theater, dance, old-time fiddlers, polka bands, oldies groups, blue grass, country, and rock & roll. Fifty artists will perform over four days.

The Artist Market makes up a large portion of the festival. Over 220 professional craftspeople and artisans from all over the country display their work for sale. Soap, jewelry, basketry, clothing, fine art, woodwork, metal work, stained glass, leather goods, and pottery are just a few of the types of crafts that will be available.

Small children and youngsters will find a lot to do. Programming features artists on stage and strolling through the park; interactive hands-on workshops, art exhibits for students; poetry, short story competitions and readings; and demonstrations and displays. There is also a petting zoo, booths for hair braids, and air brush tattoos.

The Festival is also host to the Westmoreland Arts Nationals Juried Fine Art and Photography Exhibition. This unique exhibition features local, regional, national, and international artists working in all genres. The Festival commits itself to bringing high quality artists from all around the world to the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Gutherie notes that this exhibition is a great opportunity for thousands to see an artist's work.

Acknowledging the volunteers, Gutherie states, "We have a tremendous group of volunteers who are the best. We could never have this festival if it were not for them. By donating their time they keep the event free and make it run smoothly."

It is easy to visit the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival. Shuttle busses for the event are available at the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg Campus located off of Route 30 at the Mount Pleasant exit. Busses operate from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.

Wheelchair accessible vans will run on the same schedule. Bus and van fees are $2 per adult round trip. Children 10 and under ride free.