SATURDAY, OCT. 18

Second Street’s sidewalks will soon be chock full of amazing art with almost 100 artists readying to compete in the Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest on Saturday. The 16th annual event is a local favorite presented by community activist Justin Rudd and his nonprofit, Community Action Team.

Take a stroll between St. Joseph and Glendora avenues to see the artists working on their pieces starting as early as 9 a.m. If you’re less into the process and more into checking out the finished pieces, show up at 4:10 p.m. in front of Chase Bank (5200 E. 2nd St.) to see the judging and prize-giving; Best in Show will receive $350, first place will receive $250, second place $150 and five honorable mentions will receive $50 each.

Another great thing: The artists don’t actually place their chalk directly on the sidewalk, and they don’t actually use pure chalk, but chalk pastels. Personally, the feeling of hard chalk on paper is egregious, like nails on a chalkboard, so we’re not complaining. And the artist gets to take their work home or sell it!

Giving us a moment’s pause: One of the reasons the artists don’t chalk directly on the sidewalks is it rained a few years ago… Fingers crossed for cloudless skies.

For more information, visit Justin Rudd’s website here.