Simon Yoder creates hearts with liquid chalk near Mentone Church. Photos by Maksym Hart.

News Release

MENTONE — Bright colors and creative drawings once again filled downtown sidewalks Saturday, Sept. 20 as the Mentone Chamber of Commerce hosted its eighth yearly Chalk the Walk.

Artists of all ages contributed, from Harry Potter fan Violet Amberg sketching Quidditch hoops and broomsticks near the library to Jaxxon Maul-Deaton drawing crosses in front of The Hoosier Vintage antique store. Others, like Kya VanDusen, returned for her eighth year, drawing chalk pieces across town.

Kya VanDusen, who has attended every Chalk the Walk since its start, adds themed artwork outside local businesses.

“It’s just an opportunity for people to come out and express whatever they want on the sidewalks,” said Chamber Vice President and event organizer Tim Croy. “It gives families time to enjoy the beautiful weather and have a good time.”

Saturday’s event coincided with other community activities, including the farmers market, a pancake breakfast and a church lunch, giving out hotdog and sloppy joes. Croy said the free atmosphere is part of the draw: “It’s nice to do something for people in the community in a small town, instead of everything having to be a big, fancy thing.”

Participants also included Simon and Lucy Yoder, who used liquid chalk to make hearts and hopscotch patterns, and Annie Crooks and Lilly Dennie, who decorated the pavement with flowers.