Organizers in Vandergrift are going down the rabbit hole for the 2022 Artfest celebration.
Artfest chairperson and organizer Lisa Dormire said this year’s theme pays tribute to the classic film “Alice in Wonderland.”
More than 100 vendors and artists will occupy a closed-off Grant Avenue for a festival that draws hundreds of attendees annually.
“Artfest sold out for vendor and artist spaces,” Dormire said. “Thanks to a strong response, our numbers have doubled in size since last year.”
More than 15 live music acts will provide entertainment from two stages for the July 31 event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“It’s nonstop music all day,” Dormire said.
Musical acts include Aubrey Burchell, Madilyn McKain, Nick Graham, Crow & Wolf, Miss Freddye’s Homecookin Band, Bill Rush, The Band G-6, Eliana Killouris, 56 East Band, Jessica Youchum-Sipes, Brachtopus, Leighann Mikula, Julie and the 2nd Offenders, Tumbledweeb and Lenny Collini 4 pak.
The Palette Project returns with 22 custom-painted palettes, half featuring Wonderland themes. They will be displayed on sidewalks throughout the historic business district.
Vandergrift native and artist/muralist Alex Chaffins painted four Wonderland-themed palettes that are on display along Grant Avenue.
Chaffins is volunteering his artist talents, time and creativity to the event in an effort to promote positivity around Vandergrift.
“I wasn’t paid, but I just wanted to add more excitement to the town for Artfest,” Chaffins said.
Dormire said Chaffins painted six oversized wooden selfie stations that will be located along Grant Avenue.
Last year’s festival raised about $5,000, all of which goes into sustaining the festival.
“We operate on a shoestring budget. I’m proud of the quality of event that we host on such a budget, because of our great volunteers,” Dormire said.
About 40 volunteers are pitching in this year, up from the usual 20, organizers said.
Last year, about 1,500 people attended the first post-covid Artfest. This year, Dormire is hoping to break attendance records.
“If the weather cooperates, we hope to have 5,000 attend,” Dormire said.
About 18 food trucks and vendors will sell Greek, Mexican, Italian, American and Asian foods.
Some of the participating food trucks include Anything Rolls Egg Rolls, Hot Ash Wood Fired Pizzas, Fat Cat’s Cheese Steaks, Bubbles and a Bite, Rescue Dogs Hot Dog Truck and Ekaterina Fusine Greek/Mediterranean.
Free children’s activities include painting, sensory play stations, mist tent for cooling off, storytime and a firetruck for hands-on exploration.
“There are a lot of creative people in this town, and to have a day that we can come together and celebrate their gifts is really important,” Dormire said.
Attendees will be able to have meet-and-greets with volunteers dressed as characters from “Alice in Wonderland” as they roam around Grant Avenue during Artfest.
Vandergrift resident and professional costume designer Joanne Whaley sewed the costumes.
Parking is available in municipal lots, and most of the parking around town is unmetered.
The event is rain or shine.
