Mount Vernon’s Chalk the Walk is Coming Up This Weekend

A big event is headed back to Mount Vernon this weekend! Chalk the Walk 2021 will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 1st and 2nd.

If you're not familiar with Chalk the Walk, the Visit MVL website says that it's Iowa’s largest-ever Madonnari Festival, which consists of artists painting the streets and sidewalks of Uptown Mount Vernon. The website reads:

"Chalk the Walk will feature the work of hundreds of all ages and abilities! They will use over 1/2 ton of chalk with a downtown city street as their canvas. Cash prizes totaling more than $1,375 will be awarded to chalk artists during a formal check presentation ceremony on Sunday afternoon, May 2."

Last year's first place winner was Mary Campbell, who created a VERY 2020 appropriate piece of art. It's really impressive!

In addition to the professional artists, there will also be an area for kids to draw, and a collaborative piece that any person can participate in for a $10 donation. This year's collaborative piece will be a recreation of the famous painting The Scream by Edvard Munch, with a little pandemic spin. Plus, there will be food vendors and live musicians in the area. Here's a look at one of the past works of art from the festival:

The 2021 event will take place this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The city is asking that attendees please practice social distancing and wear a mask. You can read more about Chalk the Walk and what to expect in Mount Vernon this weekend HERE.