Resident artist Jerod Anderson free-handed a chalk drawing of the Statue of Liberty on the sidewalk outside King Soopers a few years ago and has created chalk drawings at several Castle Pines community events in recent years. Anderson will be doing an exhibition piece at the Chalk It Up 4 Charity event at Elk Ridge Park on August 26.

By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Dave Tweed

The Castle Pines Connection is thrilled to again be partnering with the City of Castle Pines and the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce in bringing you the three-day “Party in the Pines” event (see story page 17). This year, The Connection is sponsoring a “Chalk It Up 4 Charity” contest to run in conjunction with the Party in the Park event Saturday, August 26.

Chalk It Up 4 Charity is a way for budding artists of all ages in the community to showcase their artistic ability (with chalk) while enjoying the beautiful outdoors and enjoying time with friends – all in the name of charity. One hundred percent of the event proceeds will be donated to a Douglas County nonprofit, and the contest winners get to decide which one!

Here is how it works: Purchase a 2.5’ x 3’ sidewalk square for $20 by visiting www.castlepinesconnection.com. Only 100 squares will be available for purchase, so be sure to sign up early to ensure you get a spot. Plan in advance (or at least get a few ideas) what you would like to draw to fit the theme of “What I love about Castle Pines.” On the day of the event (August 26), check in at The Connection booth no later than 6:00 p.m. to receive your square assignment, t-shirt and chalk. Judging begins at 8:00 p.m.

Squares will be featured along the west sidewalk of the sports field at Elk Ridge Park, so parents can either join in the fun and participate alongside their kids or relax and enjoy the festivities on the field. All entries will be available for viewing throughout Party in the Park and until the conclusion of the Run Wild event the following day – allowing the more than 1,000 park goers and 800 race goers to enjoy the artwork during their run.

Our judges will award points for creativity, use of color and overall execution. The winners will receive bragging rights and their photo in the September issue of The Connection along with a gift certificate to Castle Rock Zip Line Tours. The winner will also be invited to deliver the donation check to the Douglas County nonprofit of his/her choosing personally with a group of select family and friends.

There are still a few sponsorship opportunities available, so please contact editor@castlepinesconnection.com if you or someone you know would be interested in sponsoring this event. Donations will also be accepted. Note: in the case of inclement weather, packets will still be available for pick up at the event, but no judging will occur and prizes will be added to the charity contribution.