Four days of enrichment
Annette Evans and Alfred Groh founded the fiesta in 1956 as a gathering of the arts. They recognized the need for a community to gather and celebrate diversity and talent, passion and friendship. Perhaps that’s why the fiesta continues to thrive with an adult and student juried art show, live performances, strolling performers, a robust artists’ market and a selection of ethnic foods that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
An invitation to enjoy…
Every year, Alfred shares his vision for fiesta during the opening ceremony. Below is the poem for 2012 which truly captures the spirit he and Annette founded 57 years ago:
FIESTA 2012
“OUR TOWN… THE ARTS”
Our town is an arts town
Thanks to the talented pioneers
Who brought our town the arts alive
That brightened the coal town years
Our town enjoys the arts
Music, theater, dance, and art
Our town
“The Valley with a Heart”
We honor those
Who helped our lives to change and grow
From the coal town they all knew
To the arts town we now know.
Our Town salutes these creative artists:
Annette Evans Dorothy Dickson Darte
Harald Flannery Catherine Flood Dan Flood
James Karen Hilda Mann Hertz
Myfanwy Williams Paul Geis Nick Cortiglia
Cathal O’Toole Phil Richards
Dr. Brandon Gearhart Edith Gearhart
Martha Grover Frank Grover Edgar Patience
Larry Russo Helen Baird Ann Liva
Charlotte Lord Joan Funke Mitchell
Walter Mitchell Bob Niznik
Barbara Weisberger Joe Salsburg
Murray Popky Bill Gasbarro Mark Cohen
