Chalk the Block
Published 9:37 am Thursday, July 31, 2014
Artists from all over Michiana will line the streets of St. Joe to create chalk masterpieces for the city’s annual Chalk the Block event. (Submitted photo)
St. Joe hosts family fun weekend
ST. JOSEPH — Need a summer boredom buster for your family before the back-to-school crunch begins? St. Joseph, Michigan is hosting its 13th annual Chalk the Block July 31-Aug. 3.
Sponsored by Cook Nuclear Plant-Indiana Michigan Power, this free event brings in regional artists who create chalk masterpieces on Broad Street, between Lake Boulevard and State Street.
In keeping with the sidewalk theme, downtown merchants showcase sales merchandise outside and local organizations hold special walk-to events such as heritage walking tours, a farmers’ market, Antiques on the Bluff and free rides around the Victorian-era town in a horse-drawn trolley.
“This weekend celebrates our sidewalk friendly city,” said Jill Stone, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “Not only can you see awesome chalk art, families can splash in Whirlpool Compass Fountain, jam to live music or catch a movie outdoors by Lake Michigan. Everything is free.”
Stone said it is also a good opportunity to view the city’s outdoor art exhibit in downtown, “Shining Sculptures” that features artist-painted lighthouses.
In addition to viewing artists at work creating their chalk masterpieces, visitors to downtown St. Joseph can participate in a number of opportunities.
Beginning at 1 p.m. Aug. 1, those interested can view historic St. Joseph on a one-hour tour. The Heritage Walking Tour begins at St. Joseph Today, located at 301 State St. Participants will visit a number of landmarks including the St. Joseph Savings and Loan Bank, Whitcomb Hotel and several Victorian-era homes.
Friday evening, the Van Dyke Revue will play in the John E.N. Howard Band Shell.
The Farmers’ Market will set up in Lake Bluff Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Sunday, visitors can view and purchase antiques in the same park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Joseph Today is a member-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and business in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about Chalk the Block or upcoming summer events, visit www.stjoetoday.com, www.facebook.com/stjoetoday or call 269-985-1111.
