Sidewalk chalk art and Santa Claus?
Join Main Street Delaware on July 7 for a unique First Friday that will feature the 6th annual “Chalk It Up!” sidewalk chalk art contest and several ho-ho-holiday-themed happenings, including a late-night screening of the movie “Home Alone.”
First Friday’s “Chalk It Up” celebration is sponsored by Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Delaware and RE/MAX Allegiance Stephanie Cashman. The movie screening also is sponsored by RE/MAX Allegiance, according to a news release.
“Main Street Delaware will be making an exciting announcement July 7,” said Susie Bibler, executive director. “With input from residents, merchants, city representatives, and others, we’ll debut a new ‘Home for the Holidays’ weekend in December that will make Delaware an even more irresistible place to be during the most wonderful time of year.”
The sidewalk chalk art contest will take place from 6-8 p.m., with two 2017 twists: The first is a holiday-themed category for the art competitors and the other is a competition to celebrate the many Delaware businesses that make downtown such a popular gathering spot.
Artists are invited to dedicate their work to their favorite Main Street business. The business recognized with the most art also will earn a prize.
Those wishing to participate in the “Chalk It Up!” competition are invited to secure their concrete canvas for $10 per square now through July 7 by visiting www.mainstreetdelaware.com to print a registration form. Forms also are available at downtown businesses.
Artists are asked to bring their own chalk and then simply to begin working on their preferred sidewalk square (located on Sandusky Street between Spring Street and Central Avenue or on William or Winter streets between Franklin and Union streets).
Main Street Delaware volunteers will collect registration forms and number squares for voting on the night of the event. Artists are able to begin working at any time July 7, but must be finished by 8 p.m. to allow time for photography.
Photographs will be added to an album on the Main Street Delaware Facebook page, where the public will be able to vote for their favorites. “People’s Choice” will be awarded in youth and adult categories, and one winner will be chosen for the best “Christmas in July” creation.
Little artists not participating in the contest but inspired by their fellow pavement Picassos will be able to make sidewalk chalk creations at no cost using chalk provided by area businesses.
After the contest, families are invited to stay downtown to learn more about December’s “Home for the Holidays” and to watch a late-night screening of the Christmas comedy “Home Alone” at the historic Strand Theatre, 20 E. Winter St., Delaware. The PG-rated film stars Macaulay Culkin. Tickets are $5 per person, with children 6 and under admitted free, and each ticket includes a box of Strand popcorn.
Tickets also are available for Main Street Delaware’s 2017 Design Awards. The evening, sponsored by Triad Architects Ltd., honors many of the businesses and individuals who have improved the downtown with renovation and restoration projects over the past year.
The Design Awards ceremony will be held from 6-8 p.m. June 29 at the Ross Art Museum, 60 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Tickets for the celebration are $30 per person, which includes heavy appetizers, beer, and wine. Event tickets, including special Main Street Delaware membership opportunities, are available online at www.mainstreetdelaware.com.
