Chalk the Walk returns for the 21st annual event in uptown Mount Vernon Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The committee has chosen John Bramblitt’s “Lady Liberty” as its large community piece this year. For a $10 donation to the festival, any interested festival participant will be given a set of chalk sticks to create a single 2’ by 2’ square of a portion of this giant 40’ x 80’ colorful depiction of our Country’s Statue of Liberty. When finished, a re-creation of the artwork will appear on Mount Vernon’s historic First Street—created by dozens of artists of all ages and abilities.

If you are interested in volunteering, the committee is still looking for volunteers for a number of shifts during the festival, according to Matt Siders, director of parks and recreation. Sign-up at bit.ly/Volunteer2026CTW

“Mount Vernon and the Chalk the Walk committee wished to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States and what better way to celebrate it than showcasing the talents of an artist who has overcome insurmountable odds,” said Michael Mosier, Mount Vernon Area Arts Council member and liaison to the Chalk the Walk Committee. “The council and the committee both feel the colorful artwork John has created is exciting and transfers well to a community piece in chalk. We are excited to showcase his talents while celebrating 250 years of our nation.”

Streets will begin being closed Saturday morning at 5 a.m., with barricades placed at the intersections of Hwy. 1 and First Street, as well as along side streets Second Avenue and B Avenue. Streets will be closed from 5 a.m. Saturday through the events conclusion at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. Hwy. 1 will remain open during the festival, so community leaders recommend caution and awaiting crossing signals to cross the highway in uptown.

There is no shuttle service to the event this year, so park where you find spots legally in uptown Mount Vernon.

This year’s event will feature the work of up to 166 artists creating original art in 8’ by 10’ rectangles chalked directly onto Mount Vernon’s historic First Street. Last year’s first place winner, Autumn Zaehringer, has been invited back to the event as the 2026 featured artist.

Outdoor food vendors, children’s activities and live music also will take place throughout both days of the event.

More than $1,375 in cash prizes will be awarded to chalk artists this year, with a formal check presentation ceremony to take place Sunday, May 3.

Chalk the Walk is based on an original art form that began in Italy in the 16th century. Called Madonnari, this form of public art was originally done by street artists hoping to collect coins from passersby. Images back then were based on religious themes; as the Madonna (or Mary) was a popular subject, the artists became known as the “Madonnari.”