For the past twenty-two years, artists have congregated in the early morning to create breath-taking sidewalk chalk art on the Arcata plaza as a fundraiser for Northcoast Children's Services. Each square costs $100-200 and the artist can create any image he or she wants, which usually caters to local business. The artists often dress for the occasion, some sporting the practical overalls or predictable tie-dye and others in full-out costume from bunny ears and antlers to fake mustaches. With the Farmer's Market happening simultaneously, Pastels on the Plaza is filled with the energy of Arcata.
Photo taken by Eric Estling
Photo taken by Cary Knudson
With fresh paintings encompassing the square, people relax on the patch of green in the center, listening to live music and hula-hooping their hearts out.
Some personal favorite pastel squares...
(I just included this one because of its "Humboldt Moment" candidacy)
And the winner (in my humble opinion)...