Follow the yellow brick road ... to Artfest in Vandergrift
Karen Shoop of Springdale has fond childhood memories of visiting Vandergrift with her grandfather.
“We went there all the time to visit my aunt and uncle,” said Shoop, a Realtor and amateur painter.
Shoop is prepping to follow the yellow brick road back to Vandergrift to attend the upcoming “Wizard of Oz”-themed 2023 Vandergrift Artfest on July 30.
The celebration’s theme this year is “Beyond the Yellow Brick Road.”
Shoop brings her artistic talents to the annual event that draws thousands to Vandergrift’s business district along Grant and Washington avenues, with an original Oz-themed oversized art palette she recently painted.
Local artists paint dozens of palettes for The Myers Family Palette Project, which are all displayed along the sidewalks of downtown Vandergrift before Artfest and during the event.
“Since the pallet, I’ve been painting almost every night. Everything around us is art — the trees, sky and ocean. There’s so many beautiful things that we overlook. You may see a leaf blowing in the wind. To me, it’s art,” Shoop said. “Art is my passion. I think I could draw and paint before I could write.”
Her palette features three painted sections depicting the ruby red slippers and Toto, The Emerald City, Glenda the Good Witch’s bubble, the Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man and the Wicked Witch and farmhouse complete with a tornado funnel.
Events include a scavenger hunt at 3 p.m., live music throughout the day and a children’s play area with free games and activities from noon to 4 p.m.
A free shuttle service, provided by Byers Taxi, will be available from the Kiski Plaza (Big Lots) in Allegheny Township.
More than 100 artists and vendors will occupy a closed-off Grant Avenue.
“This year, ‘Beyond the Yellow Brick Road’ is taking us to the next level,” Artfest chairperson and organizer Lisa Dormire said. “The quality of artists and variety of foods coming to Vandergrift are incredible.”
16 food/drink vendors
Participating food vendors include Del Vecchio’s, Fat Cat’s Orange Tent Events, Hot Ash Wood Fired Pizza, Galaxy Donuts, Knapp-Kins, Conny Creek Brewery, Bubbles and a Bite, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream, Wok on Wheels, Vandergrift VFD No. 2, Momma-licious, Cindy’s Munchies, Hermes Food Truck, Little C’s Concessions, PGH Crepes and Holy Dogs.
‘Wizard of Oz’ revue
Local dance studios will showcase student performers beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Casino Theatre. The revue will feature music from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz” and “Wicked.”
The suggested donation is $5.
This is the first time they have partnered with the Casino Theatre for an indoor event, Dormire said.
Costume contest
An Oz-themed costume contest, sponsored by Nana’s Costume & Mending Shop begins at 3 p.m., with participants getting their photos taken at a dedicated location in the Vandergrift Market building.
An independent panel of judges will choose the costume winners, who will win $50, in each of the following categories: 5 and younger, 6 to 12 and 13 and older.
“Adults are welcome,” Dormire said. “Even if you don’t enter the costume contest, we hope you will dress up in your most ‘Oz-some’ attire and come join the fun.”
More than 3,000 people attended last summer, and Dormire expects this year’s event will be bigger.
Vandegrift business owner and Artfest volunteer Shannon Gourley said she is amazed by how Artfest has grown over the years.
“Last year was the largest Artfest in its history. It was a beautiful day, full of whimsy, and the streets were full of people enjoying art, music, food and small businesses,” said Gourley, owner of Honey & Heart Candle and Craft Co. “We’re looking forward to another outstanding event this year.”
Bands start at noon
Scheduled bands — performing on two stages — kickoff at noon.
The lineup includes Tumbledweed, Charmaine Freemonk, LED, Patrick Bones Bono, Miss Freddye’s Home Cookin’, Elliana Koulouris, The Band G6, Bill Rush, 56 East Band, Maddi McKain, Julie & the 2nd Offenders, Jessie Sides, Brahctopus (with fire dancer Breezy), Alyssa Bruno Walls and Friends (featuring Oz-themed music), and the Lenny Collini Family Pak.
The event enlists more than 40 volunteers to make the daylong art festival happen.
“Last year, we made the decision to go with themes that encourage art and creativity with Artfest and also draw on nostalgia and imagination,” Dormire said.
Artfest is held rain or shine.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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