Sidewalk Chalk Art Skills on Display at Ice House Mall

Sidewalk sales are a staple of community summer activities. The merchants of the village of Barrington, including those at the Ice House Mall, will offer the traditional racks and tables of bargains July 28-30, but those displays will have to share sidewalk space with local artists wielding sticks of chalk.

For the third year in a row, kids and families are invited to join in the fun at the Barrington Sidewalk Days Chalk Art Contest, sponsored by the merchants of the Ice House Mall and the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce.

The contest is divided into four categories: ages 8 and younger, 9 through 14, 15 through 18, and family/group. 

“Typically we get from 30 to 40 entries,” said Janet Meyer, president and board secretary of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce. “You get a number and you have the rights to a block of that sidewalk; that’s your domain.”

The village often has been the muse for past participants, according to Meyer. “I would say about 75 percent of the pictures have been about Barrington, which makes the contest so very special.”

“Our family group last year, for instance, drew a car going to the farmers’ market,” she added.

Free chalk is passed out to the first 50 entrants at the Learning Express Toys at the Ice House Mall. 

“There is a tent that is located outside of the mall, near the sidewalk (for registration).  There you’ll get your coupon for your chalk,” Meyer said. 

Ice House Mall merchants will judge the event and the winners will be announced at 3 p.m. July 29 at the mall. 

“Individuals will receive a $25 gift certificate and a family winning a $50 certificate to the Ice House Mall,” Meyer said.

Meyer hopes to see artists of all stripes at the event, covering the walkways of Barrington with colorful summer scenes.

“It will start at the sidewalks at the front of the Ice House Mall,” she said. “And our dream is that it will go down Applebee to Main Street.”

“It’s always fun,” Meyer said.  “The Ice House Mall also provides children’s activities in front of the mall which makes it fun for families to come and enjoy.”

If you go:

What: Barrington Sidewalk Days Chalk Art Contest.

Where: The Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee St., Barrington.

When: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28 and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 29.

Cost:  The event is free.

For more information: Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, 847-381-2525.

Registration is on site and forms can be downloaded at www.Barringtonchamber.com.