Kennebunkport employee Eli Mowrey, front, pretends to go sailing on the concrete with a friend during last year’s Chalkfest. The event is scheduled for Sept. 13-14 and registration is open for the Color Run 5K, a new addition to this year’s festivities. COURTESY PHOTO
KENNEBUNKPORT – An event that’s sure to brighten up a day while offering some exercise along the way makes its return this fall.
The Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation Department’s third annual Chalkfest is scheduled for Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 and registration to participate in the inaugural Color Run 5K portion of the festivities is now open.
“I think it’s great to bring these kind of events to Kennebunkport,” said Breese Reagle, assistant director at the Kennebunkport Rec Department. “(The town) is pretty well-known for its restaurants, hotels and tourist scene, but we’re trying to also accommodate the residents, as well.”
Chalkfest, a family-friendly event in the tradition of European 16th Century street painting, is free and open to the public. Artists from around the country will showcase their talents with chalk and use the rec department parking lot at 20 Recreation Way as a canvas for their works. Nationally-featured artists are scheduled to draw on both days, while local artists are set for a Sept. 14 showing, according to the rec’s website.
Reagle said the decision to add a 5K this year was to provide families with another opportunity to combine a fun event while promoting exercise. The Color Run, which kicks off the day, is divided into three groups. Kids up to 12 are grouped into the Color Run 5K-Child for $15 and anyone 13 years and older can participate in the adult division for $20. Children 4 to 7 years old can participate in the “Child Color Run around the field” for $5 in the afternoon. Parent supervision is required. Registration can be found online at bit.ly/32oN24p.
Prior to the run, registrants will receive a white festival shirt, because there’s a chance you might pick up some color along the way: Runners will pass through areas where volunteers will throw cornstarch-based chalk at them.
“(We) really wanted a sense of community. That’s why the Color Run is going through the town itself,” Reagle said. “We’re working pretty closely with the police department so as not to disrupt traffic. … We’re trying to build up that community feeling.”
After the run, it’s time for a pancake breakfast. And, after that, enjoy a weekend filled with food, live bands, colorful art and friendly people. You also don’t want to miss the luminaries highlighting the Chalk Art at dusk.
– Sports Editor Anthony Lombardi can be reached by email at alombardi@journaltribune.com.
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