ChalkFest postponed; Arts Commission votes to roll budget to 2026

Cynthia Mason, speaking for the ChalkFest planning group, told the Arts Commission that after discussions with a potential promoter and reviewing the time and budget required, the ChalkFest planned for July 2025 will be postponed and organizers will aim to hold the event in July 2026.

Mason said the promoter and the commission agreed that the project would need more time to secure vendors, sponsorships and city approvals. “After speaking with him and the details of what it takes, we're gonna have to postpone the event from happening this July to possibly next July,” Mason said, reporting that no contract has been signed.

Mason asked the commission to recognize that the funds budgeted for ChalkFest 2025 should remain available and roll into 2026 as needed to complete the event. A commissioner made a motion to roll the funds into 2026; another member seconded the motion. The chair called the vote; the motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners said the postponement creates more time to involve city departments, the Chamber of Commerce and additional partners so the event can be expanded and better resourced. Several commissioners suggested staging small teaser events or partnering with other local events this year to build interest ahead of a full ChalkFest in 2026.

No formal contract was reported as signed at the meeting; commissioners noted the promoter had expressed interest after a local newspaper story and that the commission’s position is to hold funds for the event while detailed negotiations continue.