Chocolate lovers of all ages will be in heaven Saturday.
Yes, it’s time once again for Chocolate Fest. This year, chocoholics can choose from 32 different restaurants and vendors.
Items usually include chocolate cake, brownies, chocolate ice cream and hot chocolate, among many others, said Helen Harb, Chocolate Fest’s executive director. We ask that they provide samples, but most provide whole servings. There will be more chocolate than one can eat.
If you’re already contemplating seconds don’t because they’ve got serving allotment covered.
Visitors to the chocolate heaven are only allowed one serving from each booth. The purchased ticket will have a list of vendors which will be stamped once a sample has been lifted from a particular booth.
Although getting more than one of each is not an option, people will certainly get their fill of all kinds of chocolate.
Proffitt’s usually provides Godiva, the Orangery is making something special and the Rush will have a nutritional drink from their bar, Harb said. All the vendors provide something special and different.
If you feel a break might be needed from the splurging, there will be a number of other activities to participate in at the festival.
There will be a silent auction in the center court area with all kinds of great items to bid on including vacation packets and a car, Harb said.
For the children, a Kid’s Candyland will feature clowns, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, popcorn and cotton candy, she said.
It’s for all ages, because everyone loves chocolate, she said.
Although long lines come with the territory, the chocolate fan does not have to stand in them. The Chocolate Fest Café has waiters bring the treats to the table, but this service comes at a price. For a mere $5 more, the chocolate can be enjoyed from a table, not a line. If one dares to brave the lines, however, try to get there early, because everyone else will.
People begin to line up about an hour before it opens, Harb said. It’s amazing the power that chocolate has on people.
Chocolate Fest begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. at Knoxville Center on Saturday. Tickets are still available at area Proffitt’s stores, the Knoxville Center Customer Service desk, Cedar Springs Christian Book Store, Bill Jones Music and the National Kidney Foundation’s office. They are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Proffitt’s and Med Ex are sponsors of the event. All proceeds will benefit kidney patients in Knoxville.
