Future of Chalkfest Maple Grove Uncertain As Organizer Disbands
The future of a popular summer arts event that brings thousands of people to Maple Grove every year could be in jeopardy.
The group behind Chalkfest Maple Grove announced that it’s ceasing operations.
The Maple Grove Business Association has organized Chalkfest Maple Grove since 2016 (initially as the Arbor Lakes Business Association).
However, in a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, executive director Kira L. Johnson announced that the group is dissolving on Friday, Dec. 12, citing insufficient financial resources and lack of ongoing support.
Chalk artist Allison Olstad draws a Super Mario Bros. piece during the 2023 Chalkfest Maple Grove event.
“Celebrating its 10th Anniversary last year was a milestone we deeply cherished,” Johnson said in a statement posted to social media. “With our closure, Chalkfest Maple Grove will conclude under our organization, and we will no longer be involved in its future.”
Johnson declined an interview request with CCX News, but did say via email: “There will not be a Chalkfest event under the MGBA umbrella to the extent of what we did. I don’t know whether another entity will step up and attempt to put on a different version of the festival.”
Response from Maple Grove
Meanwhile, Maple Grove’s Community and Economic Development Director, Joe Hogeboom, told CCX News in an email that “The City of Maple Grove has held discussions with MGBA to see if it would be feasible for Chalkfest to continue in any capacity. We are currently talking to partners, both internally and externally, to see if there is a way to maintain Chalkfest, or various components of Chalkfest, going forward. We don’t have any plans finalized at this time and will know more early in the New Year.”
Hogeboom went on to say that businesses impacted by the decision of the MGBA to disband should connect with the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will be making membership opportunities available to MGBA members (who are not current Chamber members) who wish to transfer their remaining memberships to the Chamber. Businesses should also check the city of Maple Grove’s Business Resources Page.
Related: Chalkfest Set To Transform Maple Grove’s Main Street
