Help needed for Chalk Art Bash

Plans for Greencastle's first-ever sidewalk chalk decorating contest are coming together, but officials say they need more volunteers to help the day of the event.

Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Karla Lawless, who is spearheading the fundraiser for local children's charity Return a Gift, said she needs people to register participants in the contest, hand out prizes and generally oversee the day.

Children and adults of all ages are invited to the downtown area on Sept. 9 to draw pictures, using chalk, on area sidewalks. The entry fee of $5 will go to the local charity that helps children throughout Putnam County.

Lawless and her assistant Sharon Eiteljorge attended a similar event in Fort Wayne where hundreds of people turn out and decorate the sidewalk with chalk art.

She said the support from the community has been overwhelming, including numerous local, state and national businesses and organization that have donated prizes to be given away to the people who enter the chalk art contest. Prizes include a signed Colts football.

Peyton Manning did not sign the ball.

"We just really need the volunteers," she said of the event. "I've talked to everyone on the square and they've all been 100 percent (supportive."