Kids Rock Chalk
Children’s Chalk Art Day. Marilyn, with fellow volunteer, Trish.
Receiving instruction.
Originally from Toronto, Marilyn and her husband Rick now spend their summers in Crystal Beach, near Niagara Falls, and their winters right here in Bucerias. This is their sixth season enjoying the Pacific coast, and they have definitely ingrained themselves in the local community, both of them volunteering time for various projects. Rick spends two days every week working with the dolphins at Vallarta Adventures, which Marilyn says, “…is a story in itself.”
If you’re in Bucerias this week, you’ve likely come across the pedestrian friendly Street Festival and Chalk Art Walk taking place along Lazaro Cardenas. Mother Nature could not dampen the enthusiasm or anticipation of the artists and visitors. Rain or shine, delicious food options and fantastic live music pleased the crowd throughout.
The festival’s organizing committee has been preparing since the beginning of December, with the lead coordinator, Christie Beguesse, owner of A Broken Art gallery, securing permits and contacting chalk artists even before that. Having been introduced to Marilyn Hardabura at the initial volunteer meeting, I could tell she was a giver, and I enjoyed sitting down this afternoon to learn more about her background.
“I grew up volunteering, starting when I was twelve years old. That’s what we were taught. My mom volunteered at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, and my parents encouraged me to volunteer.” Marilyn and Rick help prepare and serve food at two different soup kitchens when they’re back home in Ontario, and she says, “I’ve always knit hats and scarves for the homeless and those in need. Last year I donated fifty hats and scarf sets. We also participate in making and distributing milk bag mats.”
Marilyn described her historical support of various local charitable organizations. Their first winter in Bucerias, they taught English at Human Connections. She has also enjoyed working with post-mastectomy women at the Cancer de Mama Clinic in La Penita, whose motto is “Helping women in Mexico survive breast cancer with comfort and dignity.” Marilyn liked making the women feel “like a queen for a day. We would give them a pedicure or do their make-up, make them feel special. It was an uplifting experience for these ladies.” In addition, Marilyn has spent the last four winters supporting a suburb of Vallarta, Sayitrillo. The Sayitrillo Colonia receives financial aid through a church in the Seattle area, utilizing the funds to progress from a tarp under a tree, to building and supplying a two story community center.
Although we owe deep gratitude to the many dedicated volunteers who had a hand in the success of the 2020 Bucerias Street Festival and Chalk Art Walk, Marilyn’s responsibility included a heartwarming portion that actually occurs after the designated three day event. Due to her diligent pursuit of participation, on Friday, two hundred local students from eight different schools, aged four to fourteen, will arrive at the chalk art location at 9:00 am. They’ll enjoy a healthy snack, sponsored by Armando’s, Chedraui, and Maripaz Aborrotes.
The kids will then fill the street as they use their own space on the road to practice the art of chalk painting. Each student will receive a box of chalk, along with the support and guidance of the actual world renowned artists themselves.
“My job was to go to the local schools and receive a commitment to have the students attend, enjoy a snack, and have fun on the day after the festival.”
Marilyn was also instrumental in securing sponsorship from her Bocci Ball group and Leo and Christina Martinez from Leo’s Place, as well as the choir she belongs to, “Voices of Banderas,” and she also brought Incanto Casino on board.
I asked Marilyn what has been her favourite part of participating. She replied, “It’s been a wonderful committee that has really come together. Everyone has gone out of their way to make sure it works.” But her favourite time will be Friday with the children. “I like the energy of the kids.”
Catch the last day of the festival, and bring your cell phone for the best 3-D experience. Plan to also come on Friday morning to witness our local youth interacting with their mentors and unleashing their inner chalk artist!
