Chocolate Celebration sweetens the deal
Samaritan Caregivers offering more chocolate, more awards, more locally sourced treats in 2024
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Chocolate is about to get bigger in Kokomo.
The Samaritan Caregivers Chocolate Celebration takes place Fri., May 3, and much of the experience will be the same as in past years: brightly decorated booths, chocolate, gift baskets, chocolate, light-hearted entertainment, and chocolate.
What has changed (besides the date in 2023) is what chocolate is offered and how patrons get to it. The event still takes place at One Church, 2734 S. Washington St., from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. But growth has caused the organizers to re-think the event.
Samaritan Caregivers executive director Jamey Henderson explained that the move to May from February was risky, but necessary, in the wake of the COVID pandemic. And it worked out well. What seemed like a perfect fit for Valentine’s Day is also excellent for Mother’s Day. Actually, the crowds got bigger with the better weather.
That meant things got as bit too crowded down the hallways of the church last year. Therefore, the booths in the hallways have been rearranged so that they are placed on just one side of the corridor, leaving more room for traffic.
The cost of tickets has raised slightly as well. They are now five tickets for $20, up from three tickets for $10.
"We had not increased prices ever since I can remember," said Henderson. "But the cost of ingredients and making the items has gone up. The items still will be a good value for $4 apiece."
Brownie cheesecake bowls. Texas sheet cake. Chocolate ice cream sandwiches. There will be no shortage of imaginative and tasty treats. What patrons of the celebration won't find this year, however, are store-bought chocolate treats offered by vendors that better fit at a home show rather than a chocolate festival.
"We used to have a lot of engagement from (home improvement companies)," said Henderson. "And they really struggled to bring an item that wasn't store-bought. It didn't seem germane to the chocolate-centric theme of our event.
"We really focused on curating our list of vendors this year. We want vendors that are offering something locally sourced rather than bought and re-sold."
Entertainment will return to the celebration as well, though in a smaller capacity. Kokomo Men of Note will be singing, for instance, but the photo booth offered at last year's event won't make a return. The space was needed for more chocolate and more vendors.
Some of the new vendors include Yoke Social Table, which will be offering a snickerdoodle cake ball with a chocolate ganache, and Java Jim's, which will grind and offer chocolate coffee beans. Another vendor will offer "puppy chow" bars.
Long-time participants aren't resting on their laurels this year. Ascension St. Vincent will offer an "Italian picnic" this year, which includes raspberry chocolate soup, a chocolate brie strawberry grilled cheese, and a mocha chocolate cannoli -- all for one ticket. Rozzi's Catering is also offering a savory treat with a grilled cheese and chocolate accompanied by a strawberry mousse cup.
The biggest change for the vendors is an expansion of competition categories. No longer will brownies and cookies have to compete against candies or savory treats. The competition now has eight separate categories, with even gluten-free and sugar-free treats getting their own niche.
The top prizes are still in place, Henderson assured. Ribbons will be given out for best table display and the People's Choice which is determined by the number of tickets redeemed at each table. There also will be awards for Best Newcomer and Best Returning Vendor.
"They wanted better chances to win, and here they are," said Henderson. "It's very cool. It's all about bragging rights."
The Chocolate Celebration is also introducing a new feature. It will offer a silent auction with 11 gift-packed baskets. The winners of each basket will be announced at the close of the event, but the top bidders don't have to be present to win.
"Some of the baskets are high end, so bring a checkbook or a credit card that you save for your big-ticket purchases," said Henderson. "Your mama could come out the big winner with some of these baskets. I mean, there's everything from med spa to an outdoor patio heater, dishes, hand-made items.
"One of the baskets is filled with items our clients and volunteers made. And our board members formed six teams and are competing to see which team's basket brings in the biggest donation."
Just like in past years, parking at the event can get tricky. The Chocolate Celebration once again is offering free shuttle service from the nearby Maplecrest Plaza parking lot. And those who opt to park remotely and take the shuttle will be rewarded with a free ticket to the event.
Because the celebration takes place in the middle of the workday, many people cannot make the event. They can still enjoy the chocolate, however. The Chocolate Celebration delivers.
"If you are in a job where you're tied to the work, whether you’re in a medical profession, banking, education, whatever it is, we deliver," said Henderson. "You don't get to pick exactly what you want, but the volunteers who fulfill these orders actually pick up the items for fulfillment before the doors open to the public. So, you actually get first pick. And those volunteers take their job very seriously."
Advance order and delivery forms are available by visiting https://www.samaritancaregivers.org/chocolate-celebration. Orders must be placed by May 1 at 4 p.m. to ensure delivery.
Tickets also may be purchased in advance, either online at the above link or by visiting the Samaritan Caregivers office at 2705 S. Berkley Road, Suite 3C. Tickets purchased online will be available at a will-call table at the event.
Samaritan Caregivers provides help and hope to seniors aged 65 and over who are living independently in Howard County. The nonprofit provides food and some transportation to those clients who are homebound or are struggling on a fixed income. Learn more about Samaritan Caregivers by visiting https://www.samaritancaregivers.org/