The weather on April 10 was beautiful in downtown Lewisburg. The scents of fresh chocolate, flowers, and puppies filled the air during the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival, an annual event that takes place every spring. The festival originated in 2008 with the main purpose of fundraising and has continued ever since. This year marked its 18th event.
Many downtown shops participate, though none of the businesses make a profit off the chocolate they sell using the festival’s ticket system; instead, the money goes to the Family Refuge Center to help victims of domestic violence.
Another way the festival helps with fundraising is by bringing tourists to downtown Lewisburg to support small businesses. Activities in this year’s event included face painting, a mousse eating contest, a 5/10k Chocolate Chase and Fun Walk, magic shows, and live music. As always, the Greenbrier Humane Society hosted an adoption site at the festival, so if you wanted to eat chocolate then leave with a new best friend in need of a home, you could!
Junior Zach Vance was at the festival. “My favorite chocolate was the caramel chocolate Oreo truffle from Amy’s Cakes and Cones,” he said. “My least favorite was the chocolate-covered bacon.” Vance’s favorite food is bacon, but he feels that chocolate has no place with bacon. Not to mention the treat sold by the Briergarten cost four tickets.
The chocolate came in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Math teacher Mr.Ward also attended the festival. “I didn’t have my least favorite chocolate,” Ward said. “I loved them all. I wanted to try the chocolate coffee macron, but they had sadly sold out. My favorite chocolate was the hot honey truffle.” Ward also enjoyed the chocolate houses, and when asked about the chocolate bacon, said, “I got it last year, not terrible, but I didn’t bother getting it this year.”
One of the most popular restaurants, Hill and Holler, sold Nutella pizza. The line was long, so it’s safe to say that customers liked the dessert.
There was a caramel chocolate-covered apple stand that was also popular.
During the mouse eating contest the competitors could not use their hands! Entry categories were divided into kids, teenagers, and adults. Vance said he entered, but was not chosen for the popular event.
The festival may feature fun for kids, but also caters to adults, selling types of chocolate alcohol.
The Lewisburg Chocolate Festival is a wonderful time for community, laughter, food, and, of course–chocolate! So when the festival comes around next spring be sure to buy your tickets and enjoy some chocolate.
