Rancho Bernardo chalk contest back in person

The 12th annual Chalk It Up! is returning as an in-person event in Rancho Bernardo Community Park after being held virtually for the past two years due to the pandemic.

“We are thrilled that after two years it can be in person,” said Rancho Bernardo Community Council President Robin Kaufman. “Come out and enjoy yourself. It is for all ages.”

The council hosts the contest each year.

There is no fee to enter the competition set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. A bucket of chalk will be provided to each entrant, but Kaufman said they are welcome to bring chalk as well.

“There will be free bottled water, Chick-fil-A coupons and prizes from a variety of businesses,” Kaufman said. “We have a ton of different prizes.”

Awards will be presented in age groups, spanning from preschoolers through adults. There will also be an overall prize.

Kaufman said the council is anticipating at least 100 participants, but said the highest has been around 200.

“We’ll just keep adding squares,” she said of the designated areas on the sidewalk winding throughout Rancho Bernardo Community Park. Contestants need to register at the booth near the Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive.

Kaufman said contestants can come at any time during the event.

“Many come in the morning when it is still cool . ... They can take as long as they want,” she said. “Some will come at 8 o’clock and be there for hours. They come with a picture to draw and map out their square.”

In contrast, others stop by and draw their picture quickly, she said.

Judging will start at 3 p.m. Winners need not be present. Kaufman said the council was happy that so many people participated by drawing sidewalk pictures outside their homes, then submitted photographs of their work, when the contest had to be held virtually during the pandemic.