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You’re Not SO Special-Don’t let anyone tell you differently.


When you come from nothing with no advantage or support, it can be hard to convince yourself that you have the same opportunities as everyone else.  But why not?  Believing the world is against you is worthless and cheats you out of success. You tell yourself, “I’m special.  The world is against ONLY me.”  Psst… It is true that cruelty, unfairness, mistrust, jealousy, and greed visit some more than others; there is no magic wand of protection from life’s trials and tribulations for anyone. Hardships eventually come for us all.  And how about this for a kick in the teeth: the longer you let a victim complex hold you down, the more likely you will miss your chance to be unique for real.


Chalk Art Festival in Marquand
Today, 573 Magazine is working hard on one of our dreams for the area—the 573 Chalk Festival.

I am happy to report that the American Dream is alive and well, regardless of what you might call it. But here’s the catch—you have to work for it.  Ah, work—the real American Dream.  


So start your dream today.  Crawl out of that sunken sofa.  Go back to school, start that new business, walk your dog. Do something.  Do anything.  Drag yourself away from the social media trap.  Get out there.  Live your life and BECOME special. Keep trying.  Keep asking.  Keep knocking.  Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.  Holding others down has been the weapon of choice of the ugly and bitter amongst us since time began.  The 573 Magazine does not approve of that message. 


Chalk Art Festival in Marquand
To MAKE ART FOR ART’S SAKE.

Today, 573 Magazine is working hard on one of our dreams for the area—MAKE ART FOR ART’S SAKE and make it all free to attend and participate.  Enter the 573 Chalk Art Festival held this October 12 in Marquand.  What can be more Americana than creating chalk art knowing that the very first rain will wash all the effort away.  There is something beautiful about the whole idea of just doing something just to do it and then walk away.  I LOVE IT!


Chalk Art Festival in Marquand

ZuZu Smugala at the Chalk Art Festival in Marquand

When we first approached the people of Marquand about having the chalk festival there, we didn’t even get to finish the sentence before we heard—Yes. Yes. Yes.  Our kind thank you goes out to Denny Ward, Marye Masterson, Gail Reinwald, and Katey Young, the local Marquand ring leaders behind the effort.


Chalk Art Festival in Marquand
A cash prize for the BEST ADULT/PROFESSIONAL of $500.
First State Community Bank in Missouri

Chalk Art Festival in Marquand
The festival is featuring street and sidewalk chalk art by professionals, amateurs & art enthusiasts...

573 Chalk Festival 2024 is presented by the City of Marquand, the Mineral Area Arts Council, and 573 Magazine. The festival, which includes entertainment, food, and art, is FREE to all attendees! It features street and sidewalk chalk art by professionals, amateurs, and art enthusiasts—kids draw FREE. The event will occur on October 12, 2024 (9:00 am-4:00 pm) and is located in Historic Downtown Marquand.

There will be stone stacking, old-fashioned cake walks, vendors, music, food, special entertainment, and much more.  


Chalk Art Festival in Marquand girl stacking rocks

This year we will have cash prizes for the BEST ADULT/PROFESSIONAL of $500.  There will be a $250 cash prize for the BEST STUDENT ART and several prizes for the BEST KIDS ART.   All FREE to enter.  

573 Magazine Chalk Art Festival in Marquand

Chalk Art Festival in Marquand

Hoods Discount Home Center in Farmington Missouri

Chalk Art Festival in Marquand

Chalk Art Festival in Marquand
Adults and professionals should register in advance for a FREE art square to compete for the $500 prize visit: 573ChalkFestival.com  Space is limited.
Chalk Art Festival in Marquand

573 Magazine Chalk Art Festival in Marquand
To sponsor or donate to the not-for-profit event visit 573ChalkFestival.com Vendors welcome, but space is limited.

Vist Cape Girardeau Missouri

There you have it. We're not so special, but with your help, we're going to keep trying to be our best every single day. Now Get Out There!


Words, pics, and other stuff by

573 Magazine Supreme Leader Smugala




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Be sure to visit all of our awesome sponsors who make these stories possible!
Missouri's National Veterans Memorial Wall in Perryville Missouri

First State Community Bank

Fisher Furniture & Appliances in Ironton, Missouri

Hoods Farmington Missouri Kitchen, Bath, and Doors

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