Brand-new sidewalks around the Porter County Courthouse gave artists a perfect blank canvas for the 7th Annual Chalk the Walk. This colorful family-friendly event was presented by the Family & Youth Services Bureau on Saturday morning. Sponsors purchased sidewalk space and sent out artists to create an impression of their businesses using chalk. This year, the artists were wrapped all the way around the Courthouse.
“This is our biggest Chalk the Walk yet,” Kate Flannery, Director of Development & Community Relations for Family & Youth Services Bureau said. “We are here for the community, and we want to create a great atmosphere for them today.”
The vibrant artwork was the main feature, but there was much more to enjoy. There was plenty of fun for kids, free of charge, live music created the ambience, and there was even a bubble station, face painting, and caricature artist.
The Valpo Library had plinko for children to win bookmarks, a craft station, and storytime. The Memorial Opera House had all the supplies for children to make theatrical masks.
Jordyn Romersberger, a recent graduate from Valparaiso University with a degree in art, created a black and white realistic portrait of the Memorial Opera House. She planned to sketch all of the shows set for 2019 around it. For Romersberger, Chalk the Walk is a unique way to support the community.
“Today brings the community together in a different way; it’s not like a traditional sporting event,” Romersberger said. “It brings all kinds of people out.”
For Abby McGuire, Auxiliary Board Member, Chalk the Walk brings joy to Valparaiso families. Children are drawn to chalk, and there is even a freestyle area where they can bring out their “inner Van Goghs.” Moreover, the artists get to show of their squares and promote their businesses. As long as rain holds off, the kaleidoscope of colors should remain for weeks to come.
“Today we can shine a bright light to what the Family & Youth Services Bureau offers,” McGuire said. “We have a lot of fundraisers coming up, like the big gala to celebrate 30-year anniversary of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program. We hope to continue to get the community involved.”
For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved with the Family & Youth Services Bureau, check out their website at: https://www.fysb.org.