Come - Desert Magazine of the Southwest

Artist, Joe Waano-Gano
the gold medal winner. The judges are
all nationally respected.
The volunteers that have come forward
to identify themselves with the San
Dimas Festival of Western Arts are just
a bit short of miraculous. Even the first
year, willing hands were not difficult to
find. As they approach the third exhibition,
volunteers number over 150. It is a
community project operated by the community.
Responsibilities needing attention
range from the exhibition chairman,
Municipal Judge Tom Nuss, to those
who provide security, building skills,
housing, information, decorations, entertainment
activities—to mention only a
few.
An interesting problem faced the Festival
in its inception. There was no place
in the city large enough to accommodate
the awards banquet of 500 people, so
each year they erected a circus tent in
the city hall parking lot. Everything is
first class —linen table covers, china,
goblets, commemorative wine glasses
and steak dinner.
The railroad made passenger stops in
San Dimas —but that was 50 years ago.
By special arrangements, a train, with
the artists aboard, makes a special stop
on Saturday morning. They are greeted
by a band, and with appropriate remarks
by Mayor Marvin Ersher, the party
begins. A parade marches to City Hall
and the festivities are under way. In addition
to the gallery opening to the general
public, there is a chili cook-off, Indian
dancing, square dancing, auctions
and seminars. It is a full fun day.
Work on the festival for the next year
starts immediately after the exhibition
nesert/Anril 1979
Continued on Page 41
Pastel
"Paco Padilla"
Aritst,
Theron Imlay.
Private
Collection.
Photographer:
Phil Dunham.
"Winchester' Artist, Richard A. Meyer
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