Get Ready For Royal Oak's Chalk And Chocolate

What's better than chalk art and chocolate? Chalk art and chocolate in Downtown Royal Oak! Get ready to see the streets of Royal Oak like never before during the Chalk and Chocolate Tour on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16, with an opening night celebration on Friday, October 14.
The event, created by the Royal Oak Association of Retailers and the Royal Oak Restaurant Association, brings retail establishments and restaurants together to highlight all Royal Oak has to offer. Proceeds will benefit the Royal Oak Neighborhood Schools and Arts Club Fund. Not sure what you're in store for? Check out the following artists and attractions below.

The Chalk and Chocolate Tour will begin on October 15 and 16 during regular business hours. Since it is a walking tour, you have free range of where you want to go and what you see. Stop in front of participating retailers and restaurants to view sidewalk chalk designs from over 50 professional artists, including locals David Zinn and Larry Stephens.

That's not all: Each businesses window will display a chalk art piece crafted by an elementary school student, while adult and family teams and middle and high school students will bring their visions to life on other various sidewalks in Downtown Royal Oak and on the Stagecrafters Mall.

Chocolate Lovers Rejoice

When you're in the mood for food, be sure to stop in at one of the participating restaurants where you'll find special menu items, chocolate samples, and (at some places) even a chocolate happy hour. Still not enough chocolate for you? Check out Gayle's Chocolates. Along with a multitude of chocolate creations that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth, you'll find specially created chocolate chalk sticks.

Other HappeningsMake sure you don't melt your chocolate when standing near the dragon (no, not a real one). Metal artist Keith Coleman will be constructing the 12 foot monster near the Stagecrafters Mall. Despite being made entirely out of metal, the dragon really does breathe fire.While there may be nothing worse than walking around all day with hungry children, that won't be a problem at the Chalk and Chocolate Tour. Kids eat free October 14-16 at Andiamo and The Rock on Third.

Know Before You GoAdmission is free! No need to worry about paying to walk the streets and see the art. However, bring extra cash if you plan on eating at the restaurants or perusing the shops. Oh, and don't forget money for the parking garages and public lots.Grab a program!They'll be available for guests, so pick one up at the information booth near Fifth and Washington. You'll need to know what stores are participating in the festivities (and it also makes a nice keepsake)!It's only a matter of time before rain comes and washes all of the art away, so make sure you don't miss out! Visit chalkandchocolate.comfor more information.Amanda Kopczynski is a Community Affairs Intern at WWJ-TV/CW50.