AROUND D’TOWN March 2009
By Kathleen Hoffman
Budding Event Chalks Up Another Success for DMAC
The 1st Annual Bloom N Chalk Fest overcame untimely rains, wayward deliveries, and novice event organizers to blossom into an eye-catching, cash register filling crowd pleaser. Event attendees bought out all local supplies of disposable cameras to record the temporary masterpieces produced by the “Street Painters”. Cartloads of waving greenery went whizzing down Main Street as patrons bought up the lush offerings of nursery and garden club booths. Local merchants and restaurants reported record sales to crowds of happy customers. Artists asked for referrals to local agents to help them relocate to our community after a weekend of being exposed to “Safety Harbor Style”. It seems they loved our friendly reception, first rate hospitality and beautiful venue as much as we loved having them grace our sidewalks with their joyous visions.
If you missed this premier event don’t despair. Area photography clubs and professional photogs were out in force to capture the color and action and have promised to provide selections of THEIR art to the Committee’s website – www.bloomnchalkfest.com. Watch the site for reports, awards recipients listings and plans for next year.
Fest Committee Co-Chairs – Glen Caristinos, Stacy Roth, Bobbie Wheeler and Bobbie Davidson deserve an Island vacation to rest up after their Herculean efforts to produce this event, but when the author last met with them in the fading light of Sunday night they were already making plans for a recap meeting this week to nail down ideas for an even bigger and better event next year. DMAC also wishes to thank the sponsors who gambled on a first time long shot. We know they can’t be disappointed in their payback. Local residents out for their evening exercise and dogwalks smiled as they moved from painting to painting – taking in the artwork as well as the placards declaring the sponsors as the sun set on another D’Town delight.