Barnyard celebration with chalk art at the Clarence Hollow Farmers Market

CLARENCE - The Clarence Hollow Farmers’ Market’s annual Chalk Art Festival is just around the corner. This event, which is sponsored by the Clarence Arts and Crafts Society, is open to the budding artists of the area.

This year’s theme is ‘Barnyard Celebration’. It ties in with the newly unveiled hand-painted mural at the market as well as its 10-year anniversary celebration. The date is set for Saturday, August 4.

Contestants will compete for small prizes and will be divided into three categories according to age, 11-14 years old, 15-18 years old and 18 and older.

Last year, the festival drew in about 25 children and 20 adults.

For children that are younger than 11, there is the ‘Lil Sprouts’ tent. Here they can enjoy face painting, crafts and their own chalk activities.

“It’s fun because everyone can participate somehow,” said market manager, Cheryl Anthony.

Each contestant will get a 5-foot by 5-foot area that will be painted either black or white to drawn on. It is highly encouraged to stay within the theme so everyone can be judged fairly. For those who are a little too shy to draw by themselves, teams are allowed to participate in the contest.

Each year, there are three judges. There is a representative from the market and from the Clarence Arts and Crafts Society as well as a celebrity judge. They’ll judge the artwork and award the top drawing in each age category.

This year’s festival is in memory of William Jobling. Jobling was from the Clarence Hollow area and participated in the market for several years. He was also a very talented artist and joined in with the chalk art festivities as well.

The festival began when a market committee member went to Perry, New York and saw the extravagant chalk festival that was held there. It was then brought to the committee’s attention and agreed that it was a great idea.

“It’s not only a great way to get people to the market but it also ties in the hollow’s promotion of the arts,” said Anthony.

She also added that it’s another great educational opportunity for the children.

Registration for the contest and festival will begin at 7:45 a.m. and end promptly at 9 a.m. Contestants will have time to draw from 9 a.m. and will be stopped at 11:45 a.m. for judging. Awards will be presented at 12:30 p.m.

The contest is free to enter and “all for fun” said Anthony.

“The kids are always dancing around and it’s really just great family fun.”

Applications can be found at the market’s website at www.clarencefarmersmarket.com.