The 2nd Annual Chalk the Walk event, sponsored by the Family & Youth Services Bureau, will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2014 on the sidewalks surrounding the Porter County Courthouse in downtown Valparaiso. Over one hundred 3 feet by 3 feet squares will be filled with colorful chalk drawings, created by people of all ages and skill levels. Each drawing is sponsored by an area business, organization or individual.
Artists will begin creating the drawings at 8:00 a.m. and the event will wrap up by 1:00 p.m. The drawings are created using brightly colored pastel chalk, and since the drawings are put on the sidewalk in layers, they can often be seen for weeks. In the case of rain on Saturday morning, the start of the event will be delayed until later in the day on Saturday; if the weather is inclement all day Saturday, the event will begin at noon on Sunday, June 15th.
In addition to viewing the artwork, participants and spectators will enjoy live music throughout the event. A caricature artist will be on the square to create unique caricatures of people attending the event. Also, there will be a number of children’s activities such as a designated chalk drawing area for children under 12 who are accompanied by a parent; face painting; story circles; and an appearance of Clifford the Big Red Dog.
A unique part of this event will be the 1 ton block of ice that ICC Mechanical Services is bringing to the parking spaces at the south end of the Courthouse Square. ICC will kick off a celebration of their 25th anniversary by creating a fundraising activity that will benefit Family & Youth Services Bureau. Participants and spectators of Chalk the Walk are invited to come by to take a guess when the 1 ton block of ice will be completely melted.
Sponsorships for the 2nd Annual Chalk the Walk are still being accepted, and the Family & Youth Services Bureau will accommodate any sponsor as long as space is available. We are also accepting artist registrations from those 16 and older.
To receive a Chalk the Walk registration form to be a sponsor or artist contact the Family & Youth Services Bureau at 219.464.9585 or jgray@fysb.org. Registration forms can also be downloaded at the FYSB website: www.fysb.org.
Chalk the Walk is a family-friendly activity for the community and is an annual fundraising event for the Family & Youth Services Bureau. The Bureau was established in 1972 and serves over 4,000 people each year throughout Porter County.
Music Schedule
8:00 a.m.: Into the Light
9:00 a.m.: Waz (Walter Lisek)
10:00 a.m.: Tyler Nimon
11:00 a.m.: Into the Light
Noon: Mami Matsuda
Children’s Activity Schedule
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Chalk drawing for children under 12 in designated area
9:00 a.m. to noon: Face Painting by Valpo High School Key Club
9:30 to 10:00 a.m.: Appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog, courtesy of Barnes & Noble Booksellers
10:30, 11:00 and 11:30 a.m.: Story circles hosted by Valparaiso Public Library