Children's Coalition to Host 'Chalk It Up Against Bullying' Event in Wakefield

Hoping to send positive messages about preventing bullying in the region, the Washington County Coalition for Children and Wakefield Village Association are inviting K-12 students as well as adults to take part in “Chalk It Up Against Bullying”. 

The judged chalk art and performance contest will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Downtown Wakefield on Saturday, Oct. 12 (rain date: Oct. 13).

Entry forms, which can be downloaded at www.washcokids.org, are due by Friday, October 4.

Coalition Coordinator Susan Orban said "Chalk It Up" will offer opportunities for both 'chalk artists' and performers of all types who have an anti-bullying message to share. 

“People can draw a 'masterpiece’ in chalk or present an original poem or short story, perform an original song, rap or skit, or show a short video or documentary,” Orban explained. “Entries can be fun, entertaining, serious, creative, colorful, futuristic, and/or thought-provoking, but must carry an anti-bullying message, and be appropriate for all ages and audiences."

Participants will be given chalk, courtesy of South County Art Supply, and assigned a designated location. Performers will receive a time to present their pieces. Contestants can work in teams.

In addition to chalk materials or performance venue, the entry fee per participant of $15 includes a Chalk It Up Against Bullying t-shirt, a free slice of pizza and drink at Pier Pizza, and an ice cream cone from Brickley’s. Event day registration fee (chalk art division only) is $30 per entry, and only if space remains. 

Cash prizes of $100 will be awarded in chalk or performance in four separate age categories: Grades K-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12 and Adult.  

The goal for the day is simple, says Orban: to inspire new ways to prevent bullying in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities.  

“Chalk It Up Against Bullying coincides with the October celebration of National Bullying Prevention month,” she said. “Two of three Washington County middle schoolers reported they were bullied last year.”  

The Coalition has been helping Washington County schools implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program for several years.

“We want to create a supportive, inclusive community where bullying doesn’t exist,” added Eva Gallant, owner of Pier Pizza Company, and one of the event’s organizers.

Additional sponsors of the Oct. 12 event are The Friendship Fund, South County Art Supply, Pier Pizza Company, Centreville Bank and Brickley’s Ice Cream.

For contest guidelines and registration form, visit www.washcokids.org.