Sidewalk chalk isn’t just for kids, anymore.

This Labor Day weekend, Sacramentans can get in touch with their inner child at the 20th annual “Chalk it Up! to Sacramento” chalk art festival in Fremont Park. Saturday through Monday, 200 professional artists will be on their hands and knees, creating two-by-four masterpieces on the sidewalk.

Non-professionals can purchase their own squares for $10, which includes a box of chalk. A communal space with communal chalk on the interior of the park will also be available for kids and adults alike to chalk it up.

Darby Flynn, president of Chalk it Up! said this type of event is special to Sacramento.

“We want to make sure that our arts remain visible,” Flynn said. “I know it’s tough right now in this economy for everyone: Arts and artists especially have a hard time. So it’s something that definitely keeps the profile of artistry in Sacramento alive.”

Each sidewalk square is sponsored by a local business, for the cost of $150. Each artist receives a 24-piece box of chalk. Flynn said this chalk is not your typical chalk: It is buttery in texture, and similar to pastel chalk, yet is environmentally friendly because of its water-soluble component.

More than 5,000 pieces of chalk will be used this weekend, all donated by University Art on J Street.

Traditionally, Chalk it Up! has not been a competition among artists. This year, however, Flynn said the public will get a chance to vote for their top-three masterpieces. Winning artists will receive a people’s choice award and prize on Monday afternoon in an awards ceremony.

The festival will feature activities for both children and adults. A beer garden area will be located in the park, among along with food and craft vendors. The Kids Creative Space will feature a spot for children to participate in arts and crafts, including making their own instruments through recycled materials with the help of the McClatchy High School Marching Band.

The art festival is also part music: Nine local musicians will perform each day of the festival. Featured artists include Walking Spanish, Ricky Berger, Autumn Sky and Prieta.

Chalk it Up! was at one point held in Cesar Chavez Park and began when a group of community artists got together who wanted to show off the talents of Sacramento artists. Flynn said the festival has been located at Fremont Park, 16th and Q streets, since 1999.

Mochii Yogurt, located across from Fremont Park on 1530 16th St, sees an increase in revenue to double what is normal during the festival weekend.

“Chalk it Up! is a huge event. It’s fantastic for business,” Mark Otero said, founder of Mochii Yogurt. “We get a lot of families, a lot of creative people. It’s really good for the community.”

The festival occurs daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. starting this Saturday through Monday.

For those who can’t make it out to the festival, the chalk art will stay on the sidewalk for a couple weeks, until the city of Sacramento washes it off, Flynn said.