MOREHEAD CITY — The 15th annual Carolina Chocolate Festival enticed people to the Crystal Coast Civic Center Saturday with the sweet aroma of chocolate treats.
“Charity and chocolate has kicked off for the 15th year,” said Bob Lowry with Second Blessings Outreach Ministries, one of the charitable organizations benefiting from the festival. “I am very excited as crowds of people roll in with the anticipation of tasting all of the best chocolates that North Carolina has to offer.”
Though Saturday was the first day for the festival, the fun started Friday with the Chocolate Uncorked wine tasting dinner and The Pro/Am Fantasy Bake-off Challenge.
Judy Hailey, one of the Carolina Chocolate Festival board members, said the Friday events, as well as the Saturday morning Cocoa 5K/Fun Run, were well received.
“We’ve had a line at the gate and lots of volunteers,” she said. “We had a record breaking Pro/Am Baking contest cake, and the race this morning was a huge success.”
Breann Trager and Dom Estremera decided to stick around for the festival after the run to enjoy chocolate treats. They said they had a good time participating in the run.
“It was super fun,” Mr. Estremera said.
Ms. Trager agreed.
“It was a little chilly, but it was fun.”
This year was the first time the duo attended the Carolina Chocolate Festival. They saw it advertised on a billboard and thought they should check it out.
“We are first timers, and we will definitely be coming back,” Mr. Estremera said.
The civic center was filled to the brim with vendors offering all kinds of treats for both people and animals.
Blair McKinney, with Good Graces Treats, was a first time vendor this year selling dog treats she makes out of her Cary home.
Ms. McKinney carries both whole grain and grain-free treats for pooches, and said each one of her treats has an added health benefit, such as pumpkin for digestive health.
Tammy Ellis of Vanceboro bought some of the all-natural treats for her black and tan dioxin-beagle mix.
“I’ve been trying to go all natural,” Ms. Ellis said.
Her dog has been having stomach problems so she’s very careful with the foods she gives her.
This was also Ms. Ellis’ first time attending the Carolina Chocolate Festival. She brought her mother as a birthday treat.
“I’m loving it. I’m going to fill up my bag before I leave,” Ms. Ellis said.
As well as treats for man’s best friend, the festival also featured fun chocolate creations.
Mama’s Chocolates, based out of Newton Grove, was on site with gourmet foods and gift baskets.
They were selling fudge, nuts, no-bake cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels and granny smith apples dipped in chocolate and topped with sweet treats, such as chocolate chips.
The apples were one of the most popular items.
Debby Howell, of Pikeville, was at the festival with her family and bought one of the chocolate apples, as well as some cupcakes and fudge from other vendors.
“It’s something fun to see a convention room full of chocolate,” Ms. Howell said.
She has been coming to the festival for around 10 years to enjoy the treats.
Another vendor, Oliver Kita, from New York, was enticing visitors to his booth with some unique chocolate treats.
One of his treats, Truth Serum, or Love Potion No. 5, was made with dark chocolate, elderflower liquor, Cognac and wild mango.
He also had miniature chocolate Buddha figurines for yoga enthusiasts.
I teach people to meditate with chocolate,” Mr. Kita said. “I encourage people to eat the Buddha. It gives them more enlightenment.”
There were local vendors on site, as well. Beaufort Grocery Co. was at the festival offering baked goods, chicken mole tacos and chocolate chili.
“We make a chocolate chili each year,” employee Beth Marshall said.
It is the restaurant’s traditional chili with Mexican chocolate mixed into it.
Ms. Marshall said Beaufort Grocery Co. has been participating in the Carolina Chocolate Festival for eight years.
“We love to do it for the people, and it showcases us and what we do in Beaufort,” she said.
Those who missed the festival Saturday have one more chance to attend today and enjoy the vendors, a local celebrity-packed pudding eating contest and more.
The festival continues until 3 p.m. Active duty military members will gain free entrance with a valid ID.
Contact Megan Soult at 252-726-7081, ext. 228; email megan.soult@thenewstimes.com; or follow on Twitter @meganCCNT.
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