GREENFIELD — Chocolate-lovers, come on down. On Friday evening, an annual tastebud-tempter returns.
The Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the seventh annual Chocolate Walk starting at 5 p.m., a fundraiser leading chocolate-lovers to downtown businesses with sacks of samples at the ready.
If you’re planning to feed your sweet tooth, here are some things you need to know:
1). Pleasant path
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The walk starts at the chamber building, 1 Courthouse Plaza, where participants receive a bag for take-home treats, a map and a punch card listing each location along the walk. Chocolate aficionados who have their card punched at each location can return the card to the chamber at the end of the walk to be eligible for chocolate-themed door prizes.
2). New nibbles
According to chamber president Retta Livengood, a number of new businesses have joined the ranks of the chocolate brigade this year, including Round Fit at 20 W. North St., Patricia’s Pampering, 125 S. State St., and Jim Dawson (who promises a chocolate fountain on the third floor of the Creative Arts and Event Center, 2 W. Main). Tickets (a limit of 250 tickets are sold) are available for $15 in advance at greenfieldcc.org or $20 on the day of the event at the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 1 Courthouse Plaza.
3). Tasty treats
Businesses hope visitors not only come in for the chocolate but a look around their stores. Many this year have opted for themed treats. Wooden Bear Brewing Co., 21 W. North St., will have chocolate beer available for the 21-and-older crowd, and Highsmith Guns, 123 N. State St., offers weapon-shaped bites made of cocoa goodness. Other highlights include: Milkshakes at Bradley United Methodist Church, 210 W. Main St., chocolate pizza at BBQ’n Fools, 20 W. South St., and peanut-butter smoothies, turtles and fudge at Greenfield Chocolates, 15 W. Main St.
4). Chocolate for a cause
Each year, the chocolate walk serves as a fundraiser. A portion of event proceeds this year benefit United Way of Hancock County’s ReadUP program, which partners adult mentors with struggling young readers at local elementary schools.
5) Steps for chocolate
We recommend against counting calories. The entire route of the Chocolate Walk is less than a mile — getting you enough exercise to burn off the calorie content of two-and-a-half chocolate kisses.
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What: Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce Chocolate Walk
When: 5 to 9 p.m. August 12
Where: The walk starts at the Chamber Building, 1 Courthouse Plaza
Additional Info: A limited amount of tickets remain. $15 in advance or $20 at the event. For more information, visit greenfieldcc.org
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