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Saturday’s Boone County Heritage Day and Chalkfest featured art, food, vintage cars and great weather


By David Kubota
NKyTribune reporter

The ninth annual Boone County Heritage Day and Chalkfest, an outdoor event in downtown Burlington, was fun for the whole family.

Buck Turner’s chalk art of Marvel’s Captain America and Iron Man (Photos by David Kubota).

Attendees were able to witness as chalk masterpieces were crafted on the sidewalks and streets. The theme this year was “Superheroes” and each piece was labeled with an artist’s name and the city they’re from.

Some artists put tents above the pieces or had umbrellas at the ready, in to keep themselves out of the heat while they worked on their pieces. Other artists wore knee pads to reduce pressure on their bodies while they are hunched over using chalk on the concrete.

All the pieces of art were entered into the Chalk Art Contest and the public could vote on the best chalk art piece (results were not final at press time).

Buck Turner, who won last year’s Viewer Choice and Best of Show Awards, returned again this year with depictions of Marvel’s Captain America and Iron Man.

Mike Drain, from Burlington, who was at the event with his grandchildren, was impressed by the talent on display.

“It’s amazing to me what they’re able to do with just chalk, I definitely couldn’t even draw these,” Drain said.

A 1940 Ford Tudor Deluxe was among the vintage vehicles on display.

There was also an area for kids to try their hand at chalk art as well, and colorful creations filled the street.

Beyond the chalk art, there were multiple local vendors with handcrafted art and jewelry pieces for sale. In one area, kids could get their faces painted by a local artist.

The Boone County Historical Society Museum was also open and featured items and pieces from the rich history of the county. Displays of antique items and new topographical maps show how Boone County and society as a whole have changed over time.

A large coloring wall, presented by Boone County Parks, allowed children to color and contribute to a massive piece of art. Near the coloring wall, a stage was set up for local bands and music was playing throughout the event.

Food and beverages were available from a nearby food truck. Many employees of the Boone County Park system were in attendance to help visitors get around.

Amy Stencel, of Florence, brought her three kids to the event.

Local vendors had art and jewelry on display for  sale to the public

“With the kids out of school, we just have to try and keep them entertained,” Stencel said. “Community events like this give us something to do.”

In the parking lot motorcycles and vintage vehicles were also on display. The collection included a 1940 Ford Tudor Deluxe as well as other vintage cars from the 1950s and 60s. New muscle cars were also there, with the hoods popped upon so visitors could compare the various models from throughout history.

The weather also cooperated, with warm, but not hot temperatures that contributed to a great day of family fun activities a chance to see some great art and history.

David Kubota is a Scripps Howard Foundation intern at the NKyTribune this summer. He is a student at the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media.


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