Last year, organizers of the first annual Raleigh Street Painting Festival expected crowds of anywhere between 5,000 and 8,000 folks. Ten thousand showed up to get down on their hands and knees and chalk up the asphalt. This year, the festival committee anticipates even more will arrive at the parking lot on the east side of City Market (between Person, Martin and Davie streets) from Sept. 29 to Oct.1, and they are prepared. Artists interested in taking part need to sign up as soon as possible; once you get there, the organizers will supply you with a square and chalk, and you’ll be eligible for 11 prizes awarded by festival. On Saturday and Sunday, for the low price of $5, children can get their own two-by-two-foot square in the Kid’s Corner, chalk and a Polaroid of their artwork to carry home. Kimbute, Carnavalito and Salsa Loca and several other area performers will keep the beats going from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information or to sign up, call 857-4372.
