A beloved local tradition is returning to the pavement this spring with a fresh identity and a new home. After a brief hiatus, the festival formerly known as Chalk-A-Block has officially rebranded as Chalk the Park, set to take over the Leesville Art Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

For over a decade, the event served as a creative cornerstone of Mayfest in the Leesville Main Street District. When the festival transitioned to the fairgrounds and moved away from its arts-centric roots, the chalk festival was paused. Now, thanks to a coalition of local organizations, the event is back and “better than ever.”

A Day of Creativity and Community

The festival, running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, promises an immersive experience for families and aspiring artists of all ages. This year’s revival is a collaborative effort between:

Rotary Club of Leesville

GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN

The D.A.R.E. Program (Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office)

Leesville Kiwanis

Highlights & Activities

Visitors to the Leesville Art Park at 1201 Abe Allen Memorial Drive can expect a full schedule of entertainment and art:

Chalk Art on the Path: The Rotary Club will continue its tradition of providing free chalk for everyone. This year, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN is sponsoring four “Featured Artists” who will create professional-grade chalk paintings on-site while offering guidance to the public.

Live Music: Performances on the small stage in the Art Park by members of the Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra, with arrangements coordinated by Nancy El Koubi.

Food Truck Favorites: Local vendors including GG’s Eats, Gringo Biscuit, and Deja Brew will be on-site to provide refreshments.

Hot Dog Meals: The Kiwanis Club will be serving $5 hot dog meals for children aged 12 and under.

A “Family Day Out” in Leesville

The revival has been fueled by a surge of community volunteers led by Heather Houston of GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN. The event aligns with a broader community focus on youth engagement, coinciding with the Junior League’s Touch a Truck event held the same day.

“It will be a great day for kids in the parish,” organizers noted, “a wonderful Family Day Out in Leesville!”

For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the Leesville Art Park on May 16 to help transform the walking track into a vibrant, multi-colored gallery.