The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG) today announced that the 7th Annual Mount Vernon Chocolate Stroll will take place Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The music and chocolate event invites guests to stroll down Mount Vernon’s historic First Street where participating businesses and chocolate vendors will offer chocolate and chocolate products for sample and/or sale.
Returning this year will be the annual Chocolate Baking Contest open to the public. Bakers are asked to bring their favorite Chocolate Dessert and an entry form to the Old Fire Station, 213 1st St. NW, between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., on the day of the event (winners will be announced at 1 p.m.). This year’s contest will be divided into three categories: Adult, High School, and Elementary/Middle School.
Also this year will be a children and adult costume parade to watch the original 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at the Bijou Theatre, 123 2nd St. SW. If interested in marching in the parade to the movie screening, meet at Memorial Park Gazebo, 311 1st St. NW, for a sidewalk parade to the Bijou. Costumes based on the movie’s characters or any chocolate theme are encouraged but not required.
Sponsorships at various levels are still available, and the Chocolate Stroll committee is selling Mini Dark and Milk Chocolate Bars at $5 for 10. And in the spirit of Willy Wonka, two of the hundreds of chocolate bars sold will have a Golden Ticket, which can be redeemed for a $20 gift certificate good at any business in Mount Vernon or Lisbon.
Music this year will begin at 10 a.m. at the First Street Community Center, 221 First St. NE, Mount Vernon. Music highlights will include the Mount Vernon Middle School Band at 10 a.m.; the Eastern Iowa Brass Band at 11 a.m.; James Kennedy and Friends at 2 p.m.; and Dale Beeks and Ben Schmidt at 3p.m.
A Children’s Lawn Party will take place from 10 a.m. to noon; and again from 2 to 4 p.m. (with a break from noon to 2 p.m. to accommodate the movie screening) at Mount Vernon’s Memorial Park, 311 First St. NW, Mount Vernon. The event will include activities such as M&M Bingo, a Cupcake Walk and a balloon artist. Also taking place at Memorial Park will be an Open Mic/Karaoke stage open to the public from noon to 2 p.m. Anyone is welcome to participate. Signups begin at 11:30 a.m.
“Mount Vernon is home to several chocolatiers and this event celebrates all of them,” said Chocolate Stroll Committee Chair Sherene Player. “This year’s event will include such specialties as raw chocolate, Belgian chocolate, chocolate cake pops, as well as the more traditional chocolate truffles, cupcakes, shortbreads and caramels.”
Applications for the chocolate baking contest are available through the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group’s Web site at visitmvl.com.
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Here is the scheduled of events (subject to change). Also available here:
10 a.m. Mount Vernon Middle School Band, First Street Community Center Lawn
10 a.m. to noon Kids Games, Memorial Park
11 a.m. Eastern Iowa Brass Band, First Street Community Center Lawn
11:30 a.m. Deadline for Chocolate Dessert Contest Entries, Old Fire Station (begin dropping off at 10 a.m.)
11:45 a.m. Kids and Parents parade to the Bijou, Line up by 11:30 a.m. at the Memorial Park Gazebo
Noon Movie at the Bijou
Noon to 2 p.m. Open Mic/Karaoke at the Gazebo
2 p.m. James Kennedy and Friends, First Street Community Center Lawn
2 to 4 p.m. Kids Games, Memorial Park
3 p.m. Dale Beeks and Ben Schmidt, First Street Community Center Lawn
The committee is actively seeking chocolate vendors to set up booths at several locations both inside stores and outdoors on sidewalks and green spaces.
An application for the Chocolate contest is available here.
Those interested in applying to be a chocolate vendor will find the application here
Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring this year’s Chocolate Stroll will find a sponsor letter here
