Thousands Flock to Folk Fest Opening Night
Pittsburgh artist Dawn Gurtner (right) applies hand-painted tattoos to six-year-old Josie Grossbauer of Rayburn Township during opening night of the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival. Gurtner historically specialized in portrait and mural painting until about six years ago. “I had an opportunity to do face painting at stores, museums, and then realized I could do it at festivals,” she said. She customizes each tattoo to correspond with the bone structure of each face.
by David Croyle
The opening ceremony was held last night at the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival with presentations of awards to sponsors and some general remarks by various dignitaries.
“I don’t know if a lot of you heard or not, but as of March, we actually were considering shutting the festival down,” Festival President Keith Livengood said. “Over the years, we have had the same group of people helping, and without new people on the Board, it was looking pretty bleak for us to have enough workers. Our executive director decided to take a sabbatical for a year, and we were gonna try to come back for our 40th year, but Donna (Livengood) stepped up. To get everything done in the way we’ve done it three or four months has been amazing. She has really done an amazing job.”
In addition to introducing members of the festival board and committee leaders, Livengood introduced dignitaries and business sponsors. State Representative Donna Oberlander (R-23) greeted the crowd briefly. There were also remarks by Armstrong County Commissioner James Scahill, Downtown Kittanning Incorporated (DKI) business association Vice-President Jack Bennett , Tourist Bureau Executive Director Miranda Shumaker, and Mayor Kirk Atwood. Others recognized were Magisterial Distrct Judge James Owen, representatives from Congressman Mark Critz’s office and State Representative John Palone (D-54), F&M Bank representative Clem Rosenberger, Northwest Bank representative Debbie Graham, Sprankle’s Markets representative Ryan Sprankle, Rob & Dave from Mark TL Welding, and Deanna Highland from Asbury Graphite.
Livengood said there are 25 new booths this year. “Last year we were down a little bit, but that was just a sign of the times. Next year, we are looking at some of the things like bringing back the beef tent, and fireworks.” Livengood said the organization is looking for some major sponsors to underwrite the cost and volunteers to man the booth.
The Fort Armstrong Folk Festival continues through Sunday at the northern end of Kittanning’s Riverfront Park.
Director leads the Kittanning Firemen's Band to the enjoyment of the crowd spread across the lawn of the YMCA in Kittanning as the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival begins its 39th year..
Local News | July 30, 2010
