Artfest returns to Vandergrift

The arts came alive under a perfect summer sky Sunday in Vandergrift.

More than 75 artists and vendors took over a closed-off Grant Avenue for the 2021 themed “Art, Heart and Soul” event that draws hundreds annually to the vibrant street fair.

The event returned this year bigger-than-ever after being canceled last summer because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Organizer and Artfest chairperson Lisa Dormire said the planning committee was “thrilled” to reopen Vandergrift with Artfest.

Live music acts performed hourly from a new, bigger stage at the corner of Grant and Columbia, and included Miss Freddye, Lenny Collini and 56 EAST.

Blues singer Freddye Stover performed Sunday and said it’s meaningful to her to return in front of a live audience after covid.

“I was in a state of depression when I couldn’t perform, and it was great to be here. I felt alive,” Stover said.

The Palette Project returned this year, with about 30 hand-painted wooden palettes displayed on sidewalks throughout the borough, with many themes, among them animals, aquatics and patriotism.

Vandergrift native Jim Weigand, 46, said he enjoyed seeing the borough busy and filled with people.

“It’s a family day, and seeing the town come alive, it’s nice. My favorite part was visiting Allusion Brewing, our only brewpub.”

Vandergrift resident Denise Lorent brought her two daughters and said they never miss Artfest.

“They’re loving the music and we love it. It’s a diverse artsy crowd and artist community,” Lorent said.

Attendees also enjoyed live art, wine tastings, children’s art activities, shopping handmade and artisan creations and food trucks.

Artfest is organized by the Vandergrift Improvement Program, a nonprofit focused on community revitalization.