NEWS

Chocolate Extravaganza showcases sweet culinary skills

Jennifer L. Manfrin

COSHOCTON - The time of the year is fast approaching for love and chocolate — and the 24th annual Chocolate Extravaganza has the chocolate part covered.

The sweet event that has become a tradition each year around Valentine’s Day will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Coshocton County Career Center, 23640 Airport Road. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Guests can indulge in a variety of chocolate cakes, candies, cookies, tortes and cheesecakes; view art displays; and listen to live music performed by folk rock artist Barefoot McCoy all while celebrating the season of love.

“It’s all about chocolate and a wonderful, cheerful afternoon,” said Anne Cornell, director of the Pomerene Center for the Arts. “Guests in the past have said to me, ‘When it comes to food, this is the event.’ ”

Not only is the Chocolate Extravaganza the perfect way to experience chocolate and celebrate Valentine’s Day, but it is also a major fundraiser for the Pomerene Center. Each year, more than 100 people, including the bakers, make the all-volunteer event possible.

“The Pomerene Center’s focus is to promote community involvement in the arts, and that includes culinary arts,” Cornell said. “This is a time when we give people the opportunity to showcase their talents in the sweet side of culinary arts.”

Over the years, money raised at the Chocolate Extravaganza has funded community arts programming and art education, Cornell said.

Various aspects of the construction of artPARK on Main Street and the placement of social history artwork on the windows of the Selby Building at Fifth and Main streets are two art projects in the community that have been in the works for the past few years and have benefited from the Chocolate Extravaganza.

“One of the benefits of art is that it inspires a very lively and creative community. These projects help to energize the community in that way,” Cornell said.

The annual fundraiser also helps to fund programs that promote art to young people in the area, she said.

The Art Connects program has partnered local artist Tony Bible with River View High School students to work together on projects, including the building of a roller coaster fountain in the artPark.

Children also have had opportunities to learn about and create art through the funding. Cornell said the collaborative efforts of the Coshocton Public Library, Clary Gardens, Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum and the Pomerene Center have created a summer art program focused on children. Last year, a hero-themed project used art to teach area children about the importance of protecting the Earth.

“The program offers children opportunities throughout the summer to experience art,” Cornell said.

Each year, Chocolate Extravaganza ticket-holders choose from a variety of chocolate delicacies from three categories that include cheesecakes and pies, cakes and tortes and sweet treats, all made by local bakers and pastry chefs. Whether they stop to enjoy the atmosphere or take their chocolate goodies home for later, the event attracts all types of chocolate lovers.

“The whole idea is to have a pleasant afternoon in the dreary wintertime. Whether people come with their sweethearts or family and friends, it’s a great event to be together and indulge in chocolate,” Cornell said.

If you go

What: Chocolate Extravaganza

When: 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Coshocton County Career Center at 23640 Airport Road.

FYI: Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at Baker’s IGA, Dean’s Jewelry, Medbery Marketplace, Mercantile on Main and the Pomerene Center for the Arts For ticket information, visit www.pomerenearts.org or call 740-622-0326.