Whether it be by chalk, paint or anything in between, downtown Elizabethton was recently flooded by color.

And that much was expected for the third Downtown Art Walk held in the city. Much like years past, the streets were able to welcome residents and visitors alike to give them a chance to take in some color, while also checking out what downtown has to offer.

Consider the third time a charm, according to Karen Hitchcock with Blue River Studio. This event saw more downtown businesses stay open later to serve the public, and additional artists and musicians stop by to entertain the public.

“I think this is absolutely wonderful,” said Cathy Shoun, DBA president and Dressing Room owner. “This is the third time we’ve had this happen downtown, and we’ll love to see it grow even more for the coming years. We just want to see it get bigger and bigger each year. The participation has also been great.”

Shoun was just one of the businesses that included an artist at her shop. Over the course of the evening, street musicians and food vendors were on hand to help serve the art lovers in the community. Participants were able to stop by Blue River Studio for a “passport” and visit different businesses to view artists’ work and other goodies. Once a “passport” was stamped, they were put into a drawing for different prizes.

The event has already proved to be a way to attract more people to the region.

“People are just so interested in this event,” Shoun said. “It isn’t just Elizabethton and Johnson City. It’s not just the Tri-Cities area, either. We’re getting people from all over.”

Shoun added the event goes with downtown’s goal of wanting to attract more people to the area.

“This helps showcase the culture of our area, and it really is community affected,” she said. “We have kids that are involved, musicians, and most shops are opening during this time. We’re able to greet everyone and let people know what we have to offer in our downtown.”

Don’t expect traffic to slow down anytime soon in downtown, either. The DBA is in the process of organizing their annual scarecrow competition and putting the final touches together for their annual trick-or-trick downtown celebration.

Shoun added downtown will be bustling in November with the Christmas Open House. The event is scheduled to take place Sunday, Nov. 11.