As we get ready to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we can’t help but reflect on the heritage and traditions that define us as a nation. We are unique in that we have an individualistic sense of identity comprised of a melting pot blend of diverse cultures, brought to the New World to be adapted accordingly by those who settled here long ago. We also have the preexisting adaptive, learned methods by those indigenous people who were here all along.
So, it goes without saying that we can’t truly embrace and honor the American Spirit this Fourth of July Weekend without celebrating all-American creativity, ingenuity, and heritage accordingly. And what better way to do so than with a multi-day festival founded in favor of Americana art and culture? That’s what the Westermoreland Arts & Heritage Festival is all about.
In upholding a tradition spanning more than 50 years in the making, this beloved annual community mainstay continues to charm and delight newer and older generations alike. This year’s event kicked off today, July 2, at 11 a.m. and will be ongoing throughout Independence Day Weekend.
The long and enduring mission of the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival has always been about showcasing exceptional visual arts, traditional crafts, educational activities, and live performing artists to enlighten, entertain, and enrich the community. The festival also serves to both preserve and highlight the historical heritage and living culture of the state of Pennsylvania.
Since its inception, 52 years ago, the Westermoreland Arts & Heritage Festival has expanded abundantly. The first event was held at Seton Hill College and featured just 20 booths. Fast forward more than half a century, and the festival is now a mega, multi-day summertime hit, boasting more than 380 booths. The location has since been moved to the more spacious eight-acre Twin Lakes Park, east of Greensburg.
With this year’s celebration coinciding with America’s 250th milestone, festivities and featured follies are even bigger and better! And because admission is free to the public, you get to experience a robust bounty of ongoing enjoyment all weekend long! From the best visual and live performing artists to traditional arts and crafts vendors, hands-on activities for all ages and interests, to culturally specific callouts highlighting local history, and of course delicious food, it’s no wonder that the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival is such a big deal.
The Artist Market alone is one of the festival’s most favored features, welcoming in hundreds of professional artisans and crafters, who hail from regions far and wide throughout the country. Most make annual appearances here, along with new participants every season, adding to the ongoing growth and diversity the event delivers.
Skilled participants bring forth skills and mediums in the following categories: fine woodwork, jewelry, metalwork, stained glass, leather goods, pottery, contemporary art, handmade soaps and oils, and more. Many other tricks of the trade and demonstrations are conducted onsite throughout the festival’s run.
The enticing food options to try out showcase an abundance of selections among many different ethnicities. Some of the classic cuisine options include Italian, Polish, Greek, Vietnamese, and Lebanese, among others. American classics make the ultimate menu as well, with traditional favorites and localized well-loved eats alike.
Another feature of the festival is the Westmoreland Art Nationals Juried Art & Photography Exhibition. This presentation combines regional and national artists showcasing all genres and subjects. The Westmoreland Art Nationals consists of two exhibitions. One is held at the Westmoreland County Community College.
Expect to be enthralled by many other ongoing delights in the way of entertainment and activities as well. Take in ongoing, live musical performances spanning several different styles, across multiple stages, for instance. Other Performances will be going on too, including poetry and short story readings, performance artists, theater showcases, concert bands, and more. And as always, a versatile array of children’s activities will be part of the ultimate game plan also.
The 52nd Annual Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival makes for the ultimate Independence Day celebration. Festivities run July 2, 3, 4, and 5. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Park location is at 252 Twin Lakes Road, Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650. Visit the website to read more.