3rd Annual ‘Chalk the ‘Port’ a huge success

Participants work on chalk art during the 3rd annual ‘Chalk the ‘Port event’ on Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 in Kennebunkport. SUBMITTED PHOTO

KENNEBUNKPORT — Residents and visitors of all ages enjoyed Kennebunkport’s 3rd annual Chalk the ‘Port event on Sept. 13 and Sept. 14.

This year’s event was expanded to include a 5K race, carnival games, a beer tent, bands, fire pits, and food throughout the festivities. The event was created to connect community while also raising funds for the Town’s recreation scholarship fund.

This year’s event raised close to $6,000 to benefit young people in summer camp, programs, and after-school care.

Friday featured artists began chalking large masterpieces in the Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation Department parking lot. The five featured artists Aislynn Mullen, Beth Shistle and Janet Tombros from Florida and Erica Anderson and Jesse LuBerra from Pennsylvania were joined by 10 local artists on Saturday morning.

By late afternoon they had completed a wide variety of masterpieces from nature to outer space to fantasy. The art was completed by Saturday evening when all the artwork was highlighted with luminaries. Visitors took the opportunity to chat with the artists as they worked and marveled at the talents on display.

Saturday began with a 5K color run with almost 90 runners completing the course chalked in red, blue, green, and orange. Early visitors were treated to a Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by Kennebunk Portside Rotary, while volunteers served hotdogs, lobster rolls, chowder, and homemade treats the rest of the day. The Block Party from 4 to 8 p.m. was the highlight of the event.

Visitors and community members enjoyed the art, carnival games, fire pits, and a beer tent provided by Batson Brewing. Party goers were treated to the music of two local bands, Dock Squares and Northern Charm.

The event would not have been possible without the generosity of sponsors, including Alisson’s; Arundel Machine and Tool; Batson River Brewing; The Boathouse Hotel and Restaurant; Cape Porpoise Lobster and Chowder House; the Clam Shack; Daytrip Society; Gowen Power Systems; Kennebunk Savings; Live Café; The Nonantum Resort; Pack Maynard; Quest Fitness; Rhumbline Resort; Sandy Pines Campground; Terrapin Landscapes; and Vinegar Hill Music Theater.

Planning is already underway for the 4th annual Chalk the Port event to be held in September 2020. Any businesses interested in choosing their sponsorship opportunity for next year’s event should contact Carol Cook at CCook@kennebunkportme.gov or at 967-4304.

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