A canvas of community: Hazen Chalkfest shines as a 2025 Hometown Throwdown finalist

Where art and family meet

Every summer, Hazen, ND becomes a vibrant outdoor gallery during the Hazen Chalkfest, a two-day festival that transforms ordinary streets into breathtaking 3D chalk art canvases. Celebrated as a finalist in the 2025 Cenex Hometown Throwdown, this event brings nationally recognized chalk artists together with families and local talent for a unique splash of creativity and community pride

A kaleidoscope of creativity

This isn’t just any chalk festival—it’s a full-on creative carnival. Alongside stunning 3D installations by pros, Hazen Chalkfest features an inspiring 630 chalk drawings by kids and adults, spray-painting classes, and live instrument demonstrations that bring the art to life. Families flock to watch artists at work, join hands-on workshops, and experience the magic as flattened squares become dimensional masterpieces.

A festival that left a lasting impression

At Cenex, we celebrate festivals that embody #PoweredLocally—those that bring neighbors together in vibrant, inclusive ways. Hazen Chalkfest distinguished itself by blending artistic excellence with community-wide engagement. With hundreds of participants and guests drawn to its friendly atmosphere, it reflects everything the Hometown Throwdown champions: innovation, collaboration, and hometown pride.

Investing in colorful community moments

As a finalist, Hazen received $20,000 from the 2025 competition—funding that will help grow the festival in exciting new directions.

Cenex®: fueling festivals 

Cenex isn’t just a fuel brand—we’re part of the communities we serve. With our Hometown Throwdown initiative, we’re proud to invest in the local experiences that bring people together—whether on the farm, at a car show, or in a town painted in chalk.

By supporting festivals like Hazen Chalkfest, we reaffirm our commitment to small towns across the Midwest—powering not just vehicles, but connections and pride. 

Learn more about the important role local festivals play in keeping communities connected. 

What’s next for Hazen Chalkfest?

Looking ahead to 2026, the painting palette is limitless. With their winnings, organizers plan to introduce new themes, chalk mastery workshops for teens, and larger public art installations that immerse visitors even deeper in the 3D experience.

In Hazen, art literally lines the streets—but it's the people behind the chalk who bring festivals like this to life. At Cenex, we’re honored to help amplify their creativity and spotlight small-town ingenuity.

If you’re curious, mark your calendar for next summer’s Hazen Chalkfest—you’ll want to step right in.

See 2025 grand prize winner

About Cenex
Cenex is the largest cooperative refiner in the country, bringing over 90 years of expertise in high-quality energy solutions. Cenex offers premium fuels, lubricants and propane products that power both vehicles and homes in America.