Glass City Heritage Festival spotlights Jeannette's past

Organizers of the Glass City Heritage Festival said it was fitting to showcase Jeannette’s rich history during the street fair that aims to move the city forward.

“We wanted to bring back what made the city important,” said Dawn Wallhausen, from You Are Here gallery. She helped spearhead a glass-blowing demo during the one-day celebration along Clay Avenue.

“Since we were built around glass factories, we wanted to tie that into the festival more and have a mix of the old and the modern.”

A grant from Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation paid for the Hot Wheels mobile station from the Pittsburgh Glass Center.

Crowds gathered to watch artist Chris Ross spin magic by turning molten glass into artistic cups, ornaments and dishes.

“There’s a historic connection that makes sense,” artist Jason Forck said. “To have people who currently work with glass is important.”

Once known as Glass City, Jeannette grew from its early days as farmlands into a manufacturing hub.

At one point, the city was home to seven glass factories, which produced a variety of items that included sheet glass and milk glass.

Jeannette’s bustling factories supplied the country with up to 85% of its glass products before sales starting moving to cheaper overseas competitors.

Now, leaders are focused on revitalization, said Jeannette Business Association president Carole Babish.

For the past 10 years, the group has hosted the festival to spotlight the city’s history but also to help gain momentum.

“The city is coming back,” Babish said. “There are a bunch of people who are working hard to make sure of that.”

This year’s celebration saw 40 vendors and crowds that filled several blocks of Clay Avenue. Shoppers browsed crafts and food.

Entertainment included routines by the JMAA Cheer Squad, songs performed by autistic musicians from Band Together Pittsburgh, and other acts.

Hempfield Area senior Alaina Stough, 17, danced to “All that Jazz.”

“It’s a great opportunity to bring my passion for dance back to where it all started,” she said.

Baskets donated by area businesses were raffled to benefit four $500 scholarships for local students.

“There’s a lot happening here,” Babish said.

In the past year, three restaurants have opened, along with a gym and a nail salon, she said.

“Buildings are being renovated for new use and something like this event just highlights all that we have to offer.”