3 new festivals approved for downtown Vandergrift

Vandergrift officials and the Vandergrift Business Association have partnered to bring three new community festivals to Grant Avenue.

VBA is sponsoring a monthly vendor-focused event called Gathering on Grant, a Fourth of July festival and an Oktoberfest event this fall.

Vandergrift Council members voted unanimously Monday to approve all three functions, including the closure of Grant Street during the events.

“We wanted to get on board with what are some wildly popular events going on in other local communities and help local businesses here in Vandergrift, ” said Robert Buchanan, VBA president and co-owner of Allusion Brewing Co. in Vandergrift.

Buchanan named New Kensington, Saxonburg and Oakmont as examples of towns offering frequent community events.

With eyes on revitalization, the nonprofit VBA hopes to create economic growth for Vandergrift and surrounding communities.

The vision of VBA is to boost the local economy among surrounding businesses, government agencies and the residential community.

Buchanan said Gathering on Grant will kick off May 19 and will operate between 5 and 8 p.m. every third Thursday monthly, except in July.

“We want to bring folks in from other communities,” Buchanan said.

Gathering on Grant is seeking vendors. Buchanan said the evening will include food trucks and music from a DJ.

He expects more than 30 vendors to participate and said plans include offering live music.

Newly elected Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Collini said he is completely behind the push to promote the historic borough.

“It’s good to see our downtown section getting involved with events like that. I support it and would like to see more summer events happening in our community,” Collini said.

Lydia Zacharias, who owns Lydia Leighs Salon on Columbia Avenue, welcomes the new festivals and plans to participate.

“I love the idea. I think it will help businesses, and it gives the people in the town something to do,” she said. “It’s very important that these events are fun and get the word of mouth out about what’s in Vandergrift.”

The Fourth of July festival will be on July 3, a Sunday, and Oktoberfest is scheduled for Sept. 24, a Saturday.

Vandergrift’s business district has witnessed a recent influx of new businesses, including Honey & Heart Candle and Craft Co., Full Circle Furniture and Gifts, and East West Boutique.

The annual Vandergrift Artfest returned last July to a closed-off Grant Avenue after being canceled the preceding summer because of the pandemic.

“Artfest brought thousands into town — a three-day event. It was amazing,” Buchanan said.

Interested vendors are asked to message organizers on Vandergrift Business Association’s Facebook page.