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2014 CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Annual Festival Promises Sweet Fun For All
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By MARG JACKSON
hether you are looking for a unique piece of jewelry, want to hear some good music, delight in a plate of freshly made food or stroll Chocolate Avenue for a tasty morsel of something sweet, you can do it all at the 22nd Annual Oakdale Chocolate Festival. The festival arrives this weekend, May 17 and 18, and as usual, kicks off with the annual 5K and one mile Fun Runs on Saturday. The one mile starts at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K. From there, the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 with something to keep you busy all the time you are there. There will be pony rides and a petting zoo, demonstrations by the Delta Gold Diggers, the chance to ride the Big West Mechanical Bull, kids can enjoy the mini amusement park rides and games, and there will also be water games and
the popular water ballerz available. The Congressional Gun Fighters are also a popular returning attraction, with photo opportunities, quick draw displays, staged gunfights and more, and the gunfighters will also spend some time strolling throughout the festival. Entertainment will be non-stop on both the Main Stage and the HAWK Chocolate Challenge Stage, featuring a variety of musical acts, specialty groups and the fun (and messy) chocolate challenge games throughout the weekend. Sponsored by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, the festival draws thousands of people to the downtown area during the weekend. The vendors bring a variety of specialty merchandise; there are food and beverage booths, sweet treats and the always busy Chocolate Avenue that offers up vendors utilizing chocolate in some form, whether it is chocolate-dipped fruits or homemade fudge. The Classic Car Show also runs both days of the festival and local service
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Downtown Oakdale will play host this weekend to thousands of visitors, as they come in to enjoy the food, music, vendor booths and chocolate as part of the 22nd Annual Oakdale Chocolate Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18. clubs and organizations often have information booths and do some fundraising as well. Admission to the festival is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 12 and under are admitted free. You can bring a canned food item for $1 off admission; the donated food items benefits the local food cupboard to help those in need in the area. Chamber CEO Mary Guardiola said this year’s theme has changed to re-
flect the rich nut production area of the Central Valley, with Chocolates Gone Nuts being used, replacing the longtime Cowboys and Chocolate slogan. The weather forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s, which should make for a warm but pleasant late spring festival. The Oakdale Chocolate Festival is set up in the center of town, on Yosemite Avenue between F and J streets.
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