Honors

FIESTA "FRIEND OF THE ARTS AWARD" 2010

Initiated in 1997 by the Fiesta Board, this award was designed to honor an individual or organization for their longstanding and generous support of Fiesta as well as their general contributions to the cultural and artistic life of the local community.

It is distinct pleasure to announce the presentation of this year’s “Friend of the Arts” Award to the Osterhout Free Library and the Friends of the Osterhout.

From the earliest years of the Fine Arts Fiesta, the Osterhout has taken part during all four days of Fiesta by providing children’s programs, such as story time, to encourage our kids to discover the fun and excitement of reading books. The Osterhout has been a partner with the annual Poster Contest for over 20 years which encourages students from third to twelfth grades to express themselves artistically. The Friends of the Osterhout have contributed volunteering regularly at the library and by holding an annual book sale at the Osterhout each June. We thank Sara Hansen, executive director of the library, and Veronica Buzinkai, president of the Friends, for their continued leadership. The Fine Arts Fiesta Board of Directors will honor both the Osterhout and the Friends of the Osterhout by presenting the Friend of The Arts Award for 2010 on May 20 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.