GREENFIELD — Significant others may come and go. The weather in Indiana may be unpredictable. But chocolate will never fail us.
As one of the few annual leisure activities to stay on the event calendar, the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce Chocolate Walk will host the sweet evening beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.
Retta Livengood, the chamber president, admits to a lengthy deliberation in deciding whether to go through with the annual event. But Livengood and chamber marketing director Melissa Ewald devised a COVID-19 plan designed to keep visitors safe and submitted it to the Hancock County Health Department.
The plan, which includes hand sanitizer available at each stop; a recommendation for mask-wearing; wrapped or protected chocolate treats; and a self-monitoring card system for marking off each vendor visit, was approved, and the event was allowed to go forward.
Chocolate lovers should begin their confectionary adventure by checking in at the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce Building, at One Courthouse Plaza, between 5 and 6 p.m. They will receive a Chocolate Walk tally card, a map of locations where chocolate treats can be found and a bag for take-home goodies.
Many of the downtown businesses, including Greenfield Chocolates at 15 W. Main Street, will be participating. Businesses not located in the immediate downtown were invited to set up on the Courthouse Plaza or the Living Alley between Main and North streets.
New this year to the more than 15 Chocolate Walk vendors are the Front Door Flower Club, Greenfield Main Street, Oberweis Dairy, the Gilded Nest and Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlor.
Hitherto owners Kevin and Amanda Kerkhof will be setting up in the Living Alley. Having only been open on the north side of Greenfield since December, this is the coffee and gaming parlor’s first time to participate.
“We’ll be showcasing our Belgian chocolate sauce that we make for our mochas,” said Kevin Kerkhof. “It’s a really nice smooth iced drink with a clean smooth taste to it.”
The Kerkhofs will have 350 sample-sized cups available for visitors.
“I think having everybody together and creating samples for the general public who may or may not be familiar with your business highlights the local businesses,” Kerkhof said. “I’m really excited. We’re able to do this outdoors at a time with a lot of restrictions, but we’re able to pull this off in a safe way.”
Proceeds from the Chocolate Walk will go to help support Chamber of Commerce programs, events and speakers. Ticket sales are limited. They may be purchased in advance through Thursday, Aug. 13, for $15 at the chamber office, One Courthouse Plaza; or at greenfieldcc.org/events/Chocolate-WalkDowntown-Greenfield-470/details. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event for $20.
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Tickets for the annual Chocolate Walk may be purchased in advance through Thursday, Aug. 13, for $15 at the chamber office, One Courthouse Plaza; or at greenfieldcc.org/events/Chocolate-WalkDowntown-Greenfield-470/details. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event for $20.
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