Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District’s Chalk Art Contest is returning to the Seaside Promenade for the second year this weekend.

Artists of all ages and skill levels will be at the Prom — between the Turnaround and the Seaside Aquarium — starting at 9 a.m. Saturday to create chalk artworks that highlight marine life, Seaside culture and the iconic boardwalk itself.

“It was so successful that this year we decided to do it again,” said Melissa Ousley, manager of marketing and special events.

The recreation district introduced the contest last year in conjunction with the city’s Prom Centennial celebration. This iconic landmark was built in 1921 and the contest was one of several different events and festivities put on for the 100th anniversary.

“It went really well,” Ousley said. “People passing by really seemed to love it.”

They brought it back for a second year in hopes of making it an annual tradition.

“It captures the spirit of Seaside,” Ousley said.

The event kicks off with a workshop for participating artists from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Sunset Recreation Center. Portland artists and art educators Bev Cordova and May Wallace will teach contestants how to create chalk art using pastels.

They instruct newbies who haven’t used pastels and also give advice to those already familiar with the medium. The idea is to make the contest accessible to participants of varying ages and skill levels. Last year, among the 21 contestants, the youngest was 5 years old and the oldest was in their 80s.

“We had quite the range,” Ousley said.“You don’t have to be this incredibly accomplished artist to do it.”

During the class, contestants can develop a mockup of their artwork and practice on the sidewalk outside the recreation center. They will then transpose their ideas onto the hard-surfaced Prom on Saturday morning, followed by judging and an awards ceremony in the afternoon.

The panel of judges includes City Councilor Steve Wright; Katie McCloud, interim CEO of the Seaside Chamber of Commerce; and Ken Heman, with the Seaside Visitors Bureau and Seaside Downtown Development Association.

They will select a winner in each of the categories, which include best representation of the Prom; best representation of marine life; best representation of the spirit of Seaside; best kid entry; and best adult entry. During the day, organizers also will collect votes from passersby for the People’s Choice award.

“Our idea is just to make it fun, make it accessible and something everybody can enjoy,” Ousley said. “The mission of Sunset Empire is to extend these opportunities for recreational programming to anybody in the community. For us to be able to offer the class and then have the contest, I think that’s a really special thing.”

This year, organizers are capping entries at 25 to ensure there is enough space for each person to create their artwork. The $35 entrance fee covers the class and contest, as well as a set of pastels and other supplies. Those interested in participating can register at sunsetempire.com or call 503-738-3311.

Through a grant from the Juan Young Trust, the recreation district was able to purchase supplies for the artists and fund the class and contest. The grant will cover the 2023 event as well.