It’s the community that makes Fiesta so special.
Every year we take the time to honor an individual or organization for their continued, generous support, as well as their contributions to the cultural and artistic life of the local community.
Initiated in 1997 by the Fine Arts Fiesta Board as suggested by then board member Howard B. Fedrick, the “Friend of the Arts Award” was designed to honor an individual or organization for their longstanding commitment and generous support of Fiesta in addition to their general contributions to the cultural and artistic life of the local and regional community. With Howard’s untimely passing in February 2011, the board of directors has, in his honor and memory, renamed the award the “Howard B. Fedrick Friend of the Arts Award”.
Our 2011 Fiesta “Howard B. Fedrick Friend of the Arts Award” is Mary Ellen Fowler, aka. Flossie The Fiesta Clown.
For over 30 years, Mary Ellen has cheerfully participated during all four days of Fiesta by providing and entertaining children with free animal shaped balloons, magic tricks, jokes and most importantly smiles.
Mary Ellen was invited to participate by past vice president and general chairman the late Mrs. B. Todd Maguire. She has since become a regular face and personality of the event.
Mary Ellen is a registered nurse by profession. She has worked in many facets of nursing care including trauma, oncology, ICU, and currently at a nursing home for veterans.
Mary Ellen notes, “Each year as I arrive in Wilkes-Barre for The Fine Arts Fiesta I’m feeling like a child all over again—wondering what I or who I will find at Fiesta.”
A native of Warrior Run, Mary Ellen lives in Dalton, PA. with her husband Mark. They have two children, Christine, also a registered nurse, and Mark II, a student at Wilkes University.
The Fine Arts Fiesta Board of Directors will honor Mary Ellen by presenting the “Howard B. Fedrick Friend of The Arts Award” for 2011 on May 19 at 6:30 PM.
1997 – Mr. Ken Marquis
1998 – Kevin and Helen McDonald
1998 – Alfred S. Groh
1999 – Ruth B. Schooley
2000 – Dr. Robert S. Anderson
2001 – Roger A. Lacy
2002 – William Hogan Sr. and Sons
2003 – Murray Popky
2004 – Lee Vincent
2005 – Wyoming Valley Art League
2006 – The City of Wilkes-Barre / The Times Leader
2007 – Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre
2008 – Dorothy and Tom Womelsdorf and Family
2009 – Allan and Robert Finlay/Humford Equities
2010 – The Osterhout Public Library and The Friends of the Osterhout Public Library
COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE 2005
In honor of Miss Annette Evans and Alfred S. Groh, a bronze Commemorative Plaque has been installed on the marble wall near the Bandshell as a permanent record of their vision and the continuation of the Fiesta traditions through the years. The Plaque, a signed bronze artwork, is a gift of the Fine Arts Fiesta Inc. and numerous individual and business sponsors in the community.
COMMEMORATIVE PUBLIC SQUARE BRICKS 2005
In memory of Miss Annette Evans, in honor of Alfred S. Groh, and as A Celebration of “FIESTA AT FIFTY”, three Commemorative Brick Pavers have been installed on the Public Square near the Center Fountain. In conjunction with the Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2005 these bricks were purchased as a permanent record of the Fiesta founders and traditions through the first fifty years. They are a gift of the Fine Arts Fiesta Board of Directors.
