Although chalk is often reserved for the youngest artists, this medium gives anyone the means to make truly spectacular creations. And just like sandcastles, they are only on display for a short time before the rain washes them away.
Thankfully, you can come down and see them for yourself by attending Chalkfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge on Saturday, September 26th, 2020. This event is one day only, for obvious reasons, and runs from 8 am to 4 pm. Then, you get a chance to vote for your favorites and watch the award show at 6 pm on the Ole Smoky Moonshine stage.
So, put it on your calendar and build up the anticipation by learning all about Pigeon Forge’s beloved Chalkfest. To help you out, here’s a look at what you need to know about this must-see event:
Let the Travel Bug Lead the Way to a Great Time
Each year, Chalkfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge has a theme to guide the artists in dreaming up their creations. Last year, it was food and the contenders got everyone’s appetites roaring with their depictions of sweet treats, vegetables, and everything in between. One contestant even brought Paula Deen to life in their square, perfectly presented alongside a stick of her beloved butter.
For 2020, the theme will revolve around travel. And as long as the design pertains to travel in any way imaginable, it is good to go. So, there’s really no telling what will appear along the sidewalks at this year’s event. Contestants may dream up out-of-this-world vehicles or simply recreate their favorite cars, trucks, and boats for you to enjoy. They could even create scenic landscapes honoring the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond. No matter their interpretation of the travel theme, their designs are sure to be awe-inspiring.
Watch the Chalk Artists Work, and Then Vote for Your Favorites
One of the best parts of Chalkfest is having the chance to see the artists work on their designs from beginning to end. If you want to see the designs go all the way from their initial outline to fully realized, show up at 8 am sharp. That’s when the artists will get started and they have until 4 pm to finish. Many of the smaller designs are completed before the closing bell, though complex pieces can take until the last minute to finish up.
As you walk around, you can see just what it takes to bring their visions to life, giving you a good idea of who deserves to win. After 4 pm, you and all the other attendees will have a chance to vote for the best creations on display. They will also have four judges walking around taking notes and deciding who will land in the winner’s circle.
Cash prizes go to Best in Show and the People’s Choice winners. They will also have awards for the top three places in several categories, including:
- Elementary
- Middle school
- High school
- Adult
You will have to stick around until 6 pm to watch the judges announce the winners on the Ole Smoky Moonshine stage.
Want to Try Your Hand at Amazing Chalk Artwork?
If you think you can hang with the best chalk artists in Pigeon Forge, sign up as a contender for this year’s Chalkfest. You can complete the registration online for only $15 to hold your spot. Once you complete the event or cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you will receive your deposit back in full.
The organizers will even provide the chalk and back your workspace in white tempera paint if you wish. If you want a different backing color, you will need to bring it yourself. To compete, you need to create a work of art that is at least 4-feet by 4-feet in size. You can reserve as much space as you wish, however, as long as you have a design in mind to fill it all up.
At this competition, you can work solo or in teams to complete your masterpiece. Groups of three or more will be judged separately to keep the competition fair.
Either way, remember that your design should match the travel theme in effect this year to qualify for judging at the end of the event. And it must also follow the rules, including having family-friendly designs without embellishments. So, before you sign up, check out the rules. Then, reserve your spot and start brainstorming up your winning ideas.
Even if you do not want to participate in creating chalk art, going to Chalkfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge is sure to be a great time. Now that you know what to expect, you can browse the artwork at your leisure and put in your vote with confidence your favorites will win big.
