Can you imagine if the Mona Lisa had been originally created as chalk art on a small town street in Italy, or if Van Gogh’s Starry Night was on view for a couple of hours before a mid-summer’s rainstorm washed it into a nearby gutter? The risks and rewards are significant in the world of chalking the block, and we’re the fortunate ones who get to revel in the works of some of the people who create these tarmac masterpieces. Make sure you line up plans to be in downtown St. Joseph on the weekend of August 3rd to the 5th for all of the color and excitement.
The 22nd Annual Chalk the Block Festival is indeed a summer boredom buster for any family eager to keep summer fun alive before the back-to-school crunch gets underway in earnest.
Sponsored by North Pier Brewing Co. and Fit 4 Fall 5K Underwritten by LECO Corporation, the free event brings in regional artists who create chalk masterpieces downtown on Broad Street, between Lake Boulevard and State Street.
Various other professional chalk artists are coming in from across the country to participate in this popular tradition overlooking Lake Michigan. Those who go can also vote for their favorite artist renderings in the People’s Choice vote. Tickets will be sold at the People’s Choice Tent on Broad Street for one dollar each from 11 am to 8 pm on Saturday and 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday. One dollar equals one vote towards the favored artist, and the artist with the most tickets by the end of the weekend wins the People’s Choice Award.
Keep in mind, too, that chalk art isn’t the only entertainment planned. Additional weekend activities include lighthouse and heritage walking tours, a farmers market, Antiques on the Bluff, Friday and Sunday concerts, and free horse-drawn trolley rides around the beautiful Victorian-era downtown with brick streets.
New this year, St. Joseph Today and North Pier Brewing have collaborated for a special beer release. St. Joe Today’s Executive Director Amy Zapal says, “Chalk the Beer can be found on tap at North Pier Brewing. It has been on tap since Thursday, July 19th.” So what is Chalk the Beer like? Zapal says, “It’s a peach and pineapple beer that tastes like summer! There is a limited supply so make sure you get a pint while supplies last.”
Zapal says in addition to North Pier Brewing and Fit 4 Fall 5K Underwritten by LECO Corporation, event sponsors include Cook Nuclear Indiana Michigan Power and the Paul and Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust.
Everyone is encouraged to celebrate the beauty of St. Joseph throughout Chalk the Block weekend. Amy reminds you, “Not only can you see awesome chalk art around town, you can shop at beautiful boutiques and stores, walk to the Whirlpool Compass Fountain and downtown beaches, jam to live music or even catch a movie outdoors by Lake Michigan.” Zapal says this long weekend also offers a good opportunity to view the city’s outdoor art exhibit, “The Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph” that showcases knights, dragons and castles along downtown streets.
Chalk the Block activities include:
Friday, August 3rd:
- 11 am to 2 pm — St. Joe Lighthouse Open Hours
- 5 pm to 8 pm — Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides boarding at Elm and State Streets
- 7:30 pm — Friday Night Concert featuring Jack Adams at the Howard Bandshell
Saturday, August 4th:
- All day — Chalk the Block along Broad Street downtown
- 9 am to 2 pm — St. Joe Farmers Market along Lake Bluff Park
- 11 am to 2 pm — St. Joe Lighthouse Open Hours
- 11 am to 8 pm — People’s Choice Voting Open
