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Drawing up some fun at Chalkfest

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Chalkfest took place Saturday afternoon in Luzerne County in honor of Smokey the Bear's 80th birthday. The kid-friendly event also included some educational activities for the youngsters and live music for all to enjoy

This was the sight Saturday at Wilkes-Barre River Commons. Parents, guardians, and their kids all came out to enjoy Chalkfest.

"We do sidewalk chalk all Summer. We love to play with side talk we love to be outdoors so whenever I'm babysitting her that's one of the things we do and so when we saw this, we thought it was perfect," said Ann Toole from Wilkes-Barre.

Toole says the best part of this is although adults can enjoy it's mostly for kids.

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"I love that they do this and this gear towards the kids because you know usually the rock things are aimed at like families or like adults, but this one is truly dedicated for the kids and that's what makes a difference and makes it fun," explained Toole

The four-year-old she babysits enjoys all that Chalkfest has to offer.

"I like drawing bunny rabbits and the houses," said Delaney McGylnn from Wilkes-Barre.

While here, the kids also get to learn about fire safety.

The DCNR representative who teaches the kids says that's his favorite part about the event.

"It's fun interacting with the kids with the public. I always enjoy teaching the kids about the story of smoky bear. They always get a kick out of it and even the parents too. They love getting a picture of Smokey Bear so a lot of them recognize smokey more than the kids do," stated Julian Maza a Service forester at the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry.

Several activities at Chalkfest helped celebrate Smokey Bear's 80th birthday.