1st Place: Chalkfest
2nd Place: Jazz in the Valley
3rd Place: All age gigs, Grand Little Theatre

Between the streets of Barstow and Farwell, Wilson Park overflowed with creative energy for Chalkfest, your choice for best new festival. As part of Eau Claire’s Summerfest, Chalkfest had registered artists join up to unleash their original chalk drawings on the park’s sidewalk, and increase the city’s street cred for community art. Your second choice is Jazz in the Valley, a month-long festival that includes an art crawl and jazz performances across the city at places such as Shanghai Bistro and the State Theater lobby. The third most appreciated addition is the all ages shows at Grand Little Theater (102 W. Grand Ave). Bringing in mostly rock bands like Meridene and The Daredevil Christopher Wright, this theater is fueling the local music scene. – Caitlin Heidbrink