First annual Chalk Up the Town with Hope starts August 17

On Monday, August 17, Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives invites community members to share messages of hope and positivity through street art in the first-annual Chalk Up the Town with Hope event.

Facilitator Geof Morgan said anyone interested in creating a chalk design is welcome. Chalk and instructions will be provided from 9-11 a.m. and from 4-6 p.m. in the courtyard area between Blaine high school, middle school and elementary school, and outside the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County Blaine clubhouse. Those with their own chalk are welcome to bring it, as well.

“We’ll talk to people about what messages of hope and positivity we’re looking for,” Morgan said. But, otherwise, it’s a self-guided event.

Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives, a collective impact initiative facilitated by the Whatcom County health department, is promoting the event through the community with the help of the Blaine school district, Morgan said. So far, they have heard from six people interested in making designs, so there is still plenty of space for others.

He said there is enough space on the walkway behind the high school gym from the parking lot to the cafeteria that physical distancing will likely not be an issue but face masks will be available. It’s encouraged for participants to bring their own face masks as well.

Morgan said he’s also setting up a viewing day on August 22 for people to walk through the design areas.

In an email with design ideas and instructions, Morgan said he would like to set up a short meeting next week to go over the event with those interested in supporting it.

For more information, Morgan said people interested in participating in the event or supporting it can call him at 360/927-6300.