*Originally scheduled for June 22.
Colour and community will be on fabulous display in Montgomery on September 14. Its sidewalks will become bold canvasses as artists show off their creative talent at the first-ever Chalk the Block Competition & Festival. Artists of all ages and backgrounds will spend the day working on their sidewalk chalk masterpieces, and the public is invited to join in on the fun.
Marion Hayes, executive director of Montgomery on the Bow BIA, explains that the unique festival is an interactive event where everyone can participate and discover what makes Montgomery a charming community. Artists will compete for cash prizes and the public will cast their votes for their favourite works of art, and even have the chance to contribute their own artistic touch to the public art area.
Fun for everyone
While the artists are busy at work, visitors can enjoy an array of local vendors and entertainment. Enjoy live music from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. and watch as jugglers, jingle dancers and martial arts professionals perform throughout the day. Get your face painted, grab a snack from one of the food trucks and adults can even enjoy a refreshing beverage from the beer garden. There will also be book readings for the kids and a chance to shoot some hoops with Calgary Surge mascot, Sergio.
“We hope it brings people from all parts of Calgary to see all the great things Montgomery has to offer,” says Hayes. Wander along Bowness Road and admire chalk art from 100 different artists. Plus, several Montgomery businesses will have special promotions on during the festival so it’s a perfect time to check out what’s on offer.
Eyes on the prize
Festival organizers have broken up the competition into 10 categories, with two to three prizes for each category. Winners will go home with $50 to $150. And the artists competing in the university categories could win a $1,000 scholarship. Plus, you’ll get a say on who goes home with the People’s Choice Award and have their artwork on next year’s festival tote bag.
The voting begins at 4 p.m., and celebrity artists will award the prizes at 4:30 p.m., so make sure to stick around to see who wins.
A vibrant community
The festival is a great time to explore Montgomery with its many local businesses and services (ranging from health and wellness to delicious eats and apparel), outdoor spaces by the river and multiple parks for people and pups, not to mention the great people who live and work here.
“Chalk the Block is a great way to bring people to the community, support local businesses and highlight local artists,” affirms Hayes. “As Montgomery continues to see a revitalization and blossoms, Chalk the Block encourages people to come check us out and see all the great life happening here along the Bow River in Montgomery.”
To learn more about Chalk the Block and other events like Light Up Montgomery, visit montgomerybia.com/events2024.
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