Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Back for it’s sixth year, the Christmas Chalk Walk was hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Friday and Saturday night (Dec. 13-14). This free community event included over 400 artists across 139 parking stalls. A mix of professional chalk artists and amateur artists of all ages started work on their art on Thursday, spending anywhere from 5 hours to more than 50 hours to complete their pieces. As word of the Christmas Chalk Walk spreads artists come from other areas including some from out of state. This year’s artists hailed from Colorado, Arizona, San Jose, Palmdale, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, La Habra and from cities all over Orange County. Children from local schools including St. Anne’s, Oxford Preparatory Academy, and Aliso Viejo Middle School created art for display or chalked their own stalls with the help of family and friends.
Thousands of people strolled through the Chalk Walk Friday and Saturday, enjoying the art and complimentary cinnamon rolls & hot chocolate. A live nativity was presented by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who stood in as Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds and wise men alternating during the two nights. Live music was performed by volunteers both nights as guests viewed the art and visited with friends and neighbors. Featured musicians included Lisa Van Riette, Steve Olsen and Co., Catherine Clegg, The Lamb Family, Bruce Chang and Family, the Aliso Viejo Children’s Choir, Brooke Lattin, Nikki Lloyd, and Brooke Wilkins.
Many city officials were on hand including Mayor Ross Chun (Aliso Viejo), Mayor Cynthia Conners (Laguna Woods), Mayor Pro Tem Fred Minagar (Laguna Niguel), and Mayor Don Sedgwick (Laguna Hills) who all presented their Mayor’s Choice Award for their favorite chalk art piece. Top awards were given to Joey Jorgensen of San Clemente who won Best Overall for his depiction of “The Three Kings”, Maribeth Friedman McFaul from Mission Viejo won first place for her “Mary and Baby Jesus”, Brianna Cunha from Lake Forest won second place for “Santa Claus” and Bryan Thacker of Laguna Beach won third place for his “Polar Express”.
Christmas Chalk Walk organizer, Kristen Kamerman, remarked, “Christmas is a wonderful time of year when we honor the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. There’s a special spirit in the air as people’s hearts are softened and joy feels the atmosphere. The world comes together to unite in peace and love and happiness. The chalk walk brings people together of all walks of life and of all faiths and beliefs to enjoy others talents.”
A special thank you goes out to Kamerman’s amazing “Dream Team” of volunteers that work tirelessly throughout the year to put on an amazing event for the whole community to enjoy, and to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Baja Fish Tacos, Sabrosada Restaurant, and DEFY Orange County who all donated prizes and food.
