The Cleveland County CROP Walk To Stop Hunger will host its fourth annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest for kids and families 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, outside the Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave. Participants are asked to register at 9 a.m.

"Helping The Hungry --Making A Difference" is the theme for this year's event. Children will be grouped by age, with a separate category for family entries. Professional artists will be on hand to offer guidance and serve as judges. Chalk and refreshments will be provided. The entry fee for the contest is a donation of a jar of peanut butter or a can of tuna to be distributed to food pantries throughout Cleveland County.

"The contest helps raise awareness about the impact of hunger and poverty on families. Most importantly, it teaches children to use art and creativity to bring positive change to their world," said Pam Bradford, MFA, the event's artistic director.

A variety of prizes will be awarded for children and parents. The event will also feature live music.

For information on the contest, please contact Kearns at (405) 360-3279 or e-mail lughsraven@yahoo.ca.

You can view photos from the 2009 art contest on the Cleveland County CROP Walk Facebook page photo album.

Thank you to Norman Videographer Hilary Kane for creating this beautiful video of the 2009 Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest.