Main streets of Vandergrift transformed into a 'Wonderland' for this year's artfest

Hundreds of people braved the rain and humid temperatures to take part in the 15th annual Vandergrift Artfest on Sunday.

Grant and Washington avenues were packed with people, artists, vendors and costumed characters, as this year’s theme was “Wonderland” based on the magical story “Alice in Wonderland.”

“We’ve settled into the last Sunday in July for the last couple years and that seems to be great (for families and artists),” said festival chair Lisa Dormire of Vandergrift. “We just thought it would be fun and whimsical. We’ve done more serious themes in the past. We just thought the world needed whimsy.”

The festival began around 11 a.m., and the rain poured down a few hours later.

The rain let up just in time for a performance by the young dancers from Sandra Lynn’s School of Dance in Vandergrift and Greensburg, who performed along Washington Avenue. Several bands and soloists also provided live music before the rain lightly returned.

“We started great, and then I think it was around one o’clock that it started to really get overcast and had a bit of a rain,” Dormire said.

Many of the festival volunteers dressed as characters, such as the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts.

There was a scavenger hunt with people taking photos of the characters. Those who found them all were able to go into the “Wonderland Room” inside the Vandergrift Market building and enter a raffle for $100.

Dormire said there were 100 art and merchandise vendors and 18 food vendors, the largest participation in the festival’s history. Planning for the artfest began in January.

“We’re almost doubled this year in size from last year,” she said. “People really embraced the theme. We have people who have come from distances who love ‘Alice in Wonderland.’

“Even though covid is still with us, people want to be out and about and doing things again.”

Alexandra Clark of Leechburg was part of the scavenger hunt. She dressed as the caterpillar from “Alice in Wonderland.”

She sat by a bubble machine and mingled with guests as children and small dogs jumped after the floating orbs.

“It’s really fun to see all of the people coming out just having a good time together,” Clark said. “It’s my first time (at artfest). I kind of just go with whatever comes up. A lot of people have found me. It’s pretty fun.”

Briana Hrobak, 14, of Leechburg and Samantha Brandt, 15, of Apollo dressed as Tweedledee and Tweedledum, respectively. The girls said it was to help with community service for Key Club at Kiski Area High School.

“It’s fun. I get to put a smile on little kids’ faces,” Briana said.

Some of the artisans included Fearless Sparrow Creations, Hill’s Studio of Art & Photography, Robson’s Hillbilly Bling, Art by Cariss and Sweet Dreams by Meeka.

Chef Will Neris of botL, a restaurant and whiskey bar in New Kensington, was among the food vendors. He sold out of his pastrami sandwiches.

“It’s always so nice to be able to get out, meet our customers a little more, be face to face with them (and) have more interaction with them than I normally would,” Neris said. “It’s nice to see people happy. See the families out and it’s always a good time.”

Many borough businesses also had special deals to mark the occasion. There were raffle baskets to raise funds for repairs to the Vandergrift Market, the former JCPenney building, along Grant Avenue.

Dormire said people who wish to volunteer or sell things at next year’s artfest can follow the event’s Facebook page and register when a link is posted.