From a "Making Music Tent" to graffiti artists to Pittsburgh Pirates alumni Bob Friend and Frank Thomas, the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival is bringing in new talent to supplement the traditional fare that's drawn return crowds for 34 years. It opens today at Twin Lakes Park, east of Greensburg, and continues through Sunday.

Visitors to this free, family-friendly event can shop craft booths, dine on haluski or buffalo chili while taking in a rock band, wander with a strolling bagpiper, root in a fiddlers' competition, and visit a juried art exhibition. And that's just the beginning.

Executive Director Diana Morreo has focused on scheduling performances and activities that will appeal to a range of visitors. Among highlights are the Backyard Circus, a festival favorite returning after a several-year absence, and the Urban Art Experience, a project that invites visitor participation.

Morreo assumed her position Jan. 22, replacing Donnie Gutherie. She had been a festival volunteer since 1984 when she began as an intern while completing a bachelor's in arts management at Seton Hill College (now University). She also holds a master's degree in business from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

In the Backyard Circus, "families return to the days before TV, when boys and girls made up their own fun in their own back yards." Costumes are provided and children become strong men, lions, ballerinas, and stunt men to be shot from a cannon, in a show of their own making.

In the Music Tent, visitors will learn about folklore instruments and how to play "the spoons" made with "penny sticks," Morreo says.

Graffiti artists from Greensburg and Pittsburgh -- including Andres Ortiz-Ferrari who arrived here via New York from his native Puerto Rico -- will do live painting on panels, and the public will be invited to complete four other panels. Spray paints and a variety of caps were donated by MacPherson's Art Supplies, a U.S. importer of the Montana Paints favored by such urban artists.

The "Old Time Pirates," many of whom were on the All-Star Team, will autograph vintage-type photo baseball cards from 1 to 4 p.m. most days in a nod to the region's 250th anniversary celebrations. Friend and Thomas will appear July 3, Grant Jackson and Rick Reuschel on July 5, and Elroy Face and Dick Groat July 6.

The Artist Market will display works by more than 200 artists/craftspersons, from jewelry and pottery to soaps and dried flower wreaths.

The Westmoreland Art Nationals return with media including painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media work from across the country and Belgium. The juror was Ben Gibson, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania professor of art. Poetry and Short Story Contest entrees are also displayed.

Encampments, where visitors can learn about daily life of the times and groups represented, include the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment of Westmoreland County (Civil War), the League of Separated Tribes (Tribal Indian organization), and the Society for Creative Anachronism (Medieval).

Approximately 50 acts will be presented on four stages, including one dedicated to children. In addition, children's artwork will be displayed in the building near the boat house, and activities will be offered in the Children's Area.

Parking at the festival is limited. Shuttle buses and wheelchair-accessible vans leave the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Fare is $2 per adult round trip; children 10 and under ride free. (From Pittsburgh, take Turnpike exit Irwin, go east on Route 30 approximately 9 miles to the Greensburg-Mt. Pleasant Road exit, turn right at ramp bottom and follow signs.)

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For information, and a full entertainment list, visit www.artsandheritage.com or call 724-834-7474.