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Annual chocolate festival hopes to make a mint
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Related Topics: Bel Air, Md.
Bel Air, Md. (Map, News) - Bel Air businesses are holding the town’s sixth annual Chocolate Festival this weekend and are hoping to bring in sweet profits.
Housed in the old Armory on Main Street, Saturday’s festival encourages attendees to sample a wide variety of confections, including candies, chocolate bread pudding, chocolate smoothies, ice cream and an array of chocolate-covered fruits, nuts and snacks.
The festival is being put on by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, which encourages local businesses to take center stage with their offerings.
“We’re going to try and get people to realize that we’re on Main Street as well, try to get them back up to our store,” said Ian Mitchell, whose Shamrock Coffee Co. will be giving out samples of chocolate-flavored coffee for the first time this year. “We’re hoping it not only makes a few dollars on Saturday, but also raises awareness of our store.”
Jim Heyl, owner of Moore’s Candies, will be another featured guest.
Every half-hour, six attendees will get to use equipment from Heyl’s shop to make and decorate their own hollow chocolate eggs and chocolate rabbits, Heyl said.
Heyl might not need the festival to spread his business’ reputation — he’s already been recognized by The Food Network as one of the top five small chocolate-makers in America — but he said he’s enjoyed the chance to show people how things are made.
“I like to help create interest in the public,” Heyl said. “We all like to see the demonstrations and what you can do with chocolate.”
Organizers are hoping the event, which typically draws about 1,500 people per year from around Maryland and Pennsylvania, will get more and more people to stick around downtown Bel Air for more food and shopping, Downtown Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Cook said.
Other businesses from Harford County will participate, such as Treasures by the Bay from Havre de Grace and Broom’s Bloom Dairy from outside Bel Air.
Verizon will also be a major sponsor, giving away chocolate-scented air fresheners and one of their “Chocolate” cell phones, Cook said.
Tickets cost $5 apiece and are good for five sample tickets. Doors open at 9 a.m. Saturday until 4 p.m.
msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
10:35 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 22, 2008 re: "Maryland State Fair kicks off today"
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12:57 PM MST on Wed., Jul. 2, 2008
re: "Fourth of July to be rescheduled after riots in Havre de Grace"
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4:05 PM MST on Wed., Apr. 16, 2008
re: "Eight days of carnival rides, hot dogs, funnel cakes and fun"
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1:44 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 27, 2007
re: "Book fest gives writers public voice"
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4:24 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007
re: "This weekend, it's all about the Polish"
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3:43 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007
re: "This weekend, it's all about the Polish"
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3:42 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007
re: "This weekend, it's all about the Polish"
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1:55 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007
re: "This weekend, it's all about the Polish"
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Art LaPole said:
Mr. Miller, I’m taking a family of 6 (4 kids) to the state fair Sunday. They are facing some hard times - so I’m treating them. Are there any coupons or discounts available anywhere? Art LaPole 301-343-2033
4 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
How sad that things have to be changed because certain scum bags can't keep it together. The Havre de Grace pardade is something my family has done for years and now can't even feel safe to come there. S. Ward Joppatowne
6 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
wow thats amazing but why would that many people actually come to one single carnival
9 agree | 8 disagree
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Vita M. King said:
The city of baltimore is growing,in what manner?Some people don't welcome the change,the new condos.The prices the go with them the rebuilding,yes the areas look great looking at the big picture.And the people that have to move,out of there surroundings,well some know no other way of life.What will happen next only time will tell,my self I welcome the wonderful condos,the picture book look,but that is only my eyes.The new things that will come about,that have been over due for some.New people out front now new faces that are of old.Get ready Baltimore hold on for the ride.The city already looks like another place,and where are some of the old faces,they have faded.
526 agree | 227 disagree
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Melanie said:
Nice to see Polish pride alive and thriving in Baltimore!
289 agree | 232 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Found this on Examiner.com's Event Calendar: Polish Festival Jun 1, 2007 - Jun 3, 2007 At Patterson Park's Pulaski Monument (Eastern Avenue at Linwood Avenue), join The Polish Community Association of Maryland for ethnic music, dance and perogis. Admission ranges from $2-$4. Children under 12 are free with paying adult. Specific scheduling information can be found on the Web site. Location: Patterson Park, Eastern Avenue, Baltimore 21231
229 agree | 266 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Yes, what if we're not Polish but want to attend this fesetival? The food sounds great. Please help us know where to go for the festival.
225 agree | 276 disagree
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Mel Lingerman said:
You never give the location of the event in the article.
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