Festival of Western Arts
The San Dimas Festival of Arts
Presents the Annual National Western Art Exhibition and Sale
Last Full Weekend in April
Each year the Festival of Western Arts sponsors the Annual National Western Art
Exhibition and Sale. For 25 years it has been one of the most exciting events of the year
for San Dimas, attracting over 4,000 people throughout the last weekend of April.
Approximately 150 pieces of art (oils, watercolors, sculpture and other media) from 30
artists are on display at the San Dimas Civic Center. The exhibition also includes a
seminar, auctions and a trading post. Area volunteers have worked tirelessly over the
years to make the exhibition a nationally acclaimed event, bringing special identity to
San Dimas. Begun as a project of the Chamber of Commerce in 1977, the Festival of Westem
Arts is a non-profit organization with the stated purpose of "preserving the western
spirit" through the arts.
Annual Wildlife Art Show
Last weekend in October
The Festival of Western Arts has also sponsored the Wildlife Art Show for the past five
years. The works of 20 artists are displayed in the Community Building of the San Dimas
Civic Center.
The Festival is an organization supported by the community through annual memberships
and fund raising to cover costs for production of these annual exhibitions. The Festival
has sponsored and dedicated four public art projects to the citizens of San Dimas,
beginning in November of 1992 with the Jedediah Strong Smith Memorial. In May of 1997, the
Tongva Mural was dedicated, and in December of the following year, the third project
titled, "Catching Frogs" was dedicated. The fourth project is titled,
"Cornerstones of Freedom," which will be dedicated in April of 2002. All four
public art projects may be observed at San Dimas City Hall, 245 E. Bonita Avenue.
The Festival office is located in the Martin House at 246 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas.
Please call (909) 599-5374 to learn about the many ways you can become involved in this
unique and exciting organization.
San Dimas Marketplace
The San Dimas Marketplace is a weekly community farmers and crafters market. Farmers,
fiddlers and crafters line the streets of downtown San Dimas every Wednesday evening from
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the year. Here you can buy the freshest produce available
anywhere, vine-ripened and picked the morning of the market. San Dimas Marketplace is a
"California Certified Farmers Market" which means that farmers are allowed to
sell only what they grow. This insures freshness and vine-ripened quality that those who
shop the market appreciate. You will also find fresh fish, juice and bread from our local
bakery. When you visit the market don't forget to stop by and visit with some of our San
Dimas merchants who usually stay open late on Wednesday. Try the Marketplace for that
special gift for family, friends or co- workers. Fifty to sixty crafters every week have
every imaginable gift for sale. Save yourself a trip to the mall! Do all your shopping at
the Marketplace.
Every week there is live entertainment, a number of ethnic food booths and children's
activities set up to make for a festive atmosphere. Enjoy your shopping and then have your
dinner at the Marketplace. You'll find something for everyone.
The Marketplace is set up as a non-profit organization. Volunteers are needed on a
weekly basis to help set up for all the activities. Interested volunteers should make
themselves known at the information booth at the center of the market.
Every week the Marketplace makes available a business of the week booth to any San
Dimas business. Let San Dimas know about your product or service by making use of the
business of the week booth. Contact the Marketplace office for details.
Support your community, be a part of San Dimas and join in the Frontier Spirit. Come
out every Wednesday for the SAN DIMAS MARKETPLACE.
The Martin House
The historic Martin House now serves as headquarters for the San Dimas Chamber of
Commerce, an organization that can trace its roots back to 1909 when it was known as the
San Dimas Board of trade. About the house itself? I would appreciate any of you San Dimas
historians sending me some background material, for inclusion in the Route 66 Collection.
The Mansion
Built as a railroad hotel in 1887, the San Dimas Mansion never had a paying guest. It
was purchased in 1889 by J.W. Walker and became the family home of six generations of his
family. In 1978 it was leased out as a restaurant. After being closed for several years,
the Mansion was purchased by Bill and Aloma Davis.
A Restoration Project of the Pacific Railroad Society, Inc.
The original Waiting Room and Stationmaster's Room are restored to their exact 1934
condition. The Baggage and Freight Rooms are a fully functional library of Railroad
materials (focusing on the Pasadena Sub-Division of the SANTA FE).
The West addition is occupied by the San Dimas Historical Society.
With the cooperation of the City and the MetroLink people, at least 2 rail passenger
cars will return to a siding adjacent to the DEPOT.
The Railroad Station is located on Bonita Ave.
at the west end of Old Town San Dimas.
San Dimas RR Station 1934---1995