It starts with what was once a 1,045-foot go-kart track and ends with a winding display of artwork in multi-colored chalk.
Entries are being sought for one of the main events of the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival, the chalk art competition. The annual celebration is set for Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, west of PhatBoys BBQ in the 300 block of West Third Street.
Colorful images will be created on the twisting and turning canvas in youth and amateur and professional adult categories. Youth and adult amateur entries will be assigned 96-by-96 foot spaces, while adult professional entries may vary but generally measure 120-by-120 feet on the 24-foot-wide concrete track.
The track was once a big attraction at what was called the Grand Central Family Fun Center. The center, which occupied a three-acre site between Third Street and the railroad tracks, opened in May of 1993, was conceived by Frank Minati, owner of Brave Industries in Annawan, which manufactured and sold go-karts. Among other things, the center featured miniature golf, batting cages, a Ferris wheel and an arcade. That building is now the home of the new PhatBoys BBQ.
This is the ninth year for the chalk art competition, added in 2016 to the festival which is designed to celebrate artistic talent and promote public art. The festival also features an art show, display of student artwork in downtown windows, and 20 Walldogs murals highlighting Kewanee history.
Pre-registration is recommended as space will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Participants may register through Eventbrite, by clicking the sign-up button on the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival Facebook page, or by e-mailing PCAF at kewaneepcaf@gmail.com for a registration form. Participants may also register the day of the event as space allows.
Participants may begin at 8 a.m. Friday, July 19 and must be finished by 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.
The public is welcome to stop by and watch the artists at work. Winners will be announced and awards given at 4 p.m. Saturday at the track.
Youth registration fee (Age categories from 5 to 17) is $10, which includes sidewalk chalk and a tote bag
Adult/amateur fee is $35, which includes Dick Blick chalk and a tote bag.
Adult professional fee is $50, which includes professional chalk and a tote bag.
Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place and People’s Choice in the adult categories, and for first and second place in each of five age groups plus Youth People’s Choice.
