Dover marks third year for Chocolate Walk
One ticket can be shared with family or friends. Everyone can enjoy the chocolate they've collected at the third annual Downtown Dover Chocolate Walk.
There is still time to purchase tickets for the third annual Downtown Dover Chocolate Walk, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 9 from 5-8 p.m. This annual event allows visitors to get a closer look at downtown Dover and the dozens of local merchants who make it a unique place to shop and dine.
Ticket holders can visit the many participating local merchants, or Sweet Stops, and receive a chocolate treat at each stop while taking time to browse, shop or grab a bite to eat.
More than 25 local businesses are participating in the event including Miller's Creamery, Bread Head Bistro, John's Sweeper Service, Lavender Bridal and Genevieve's on Second. New to the walk this year is the recently opened Southern Roots Boutique, located in the galleria of salons at 123 W. Third in the lower level.
"The Chocolate Walk has become an annual tradition," said Miles Riley, Friends of the Dover Public Library president. "As ticket holders make their way through the downtown, some treats will be enjoyed on the spot, and others will be taken home to savor later. Every participant’s bag will be overflowing with an amazing amount of chocolate at the end of the evening."
In addition to offering a house-created chocolate treat, Bread Head Bistro will host live music by Bill Singhaus throughout the event, and Dover High School's steel drum band will perform on the square at 6:45 p.m.
Only 250 tickets will be sold for the event. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the Dover Public Library at 525 N. Walnut St., Bread Head Bistro at 113 W. Third St. and at John's Sweeper Service on the opposite end of the street at 233 W. Third.
In years past, proceeds from the Chocolate Walk have gone toward Canal Dover Association projects. Last year funds were designated to go toward the purchase and installation of a large four-sided bronze clock, a project that came to fruition through the combined efforts of the Lions Clubs, Rotary and Exchange Club.
Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Check Out Your Future Campaign, an initiative that will make it possible to remodel the Dover Public Library.
While the library has served the community since 1902, it has been in its current location since 1954 and is need of modern wiring, more accessible shelving and dedicated teen and local history rooms.
Further fundraising efforts for the library campaign include an auction in August where most of the mid-century modern furniture that has been in use since the 1950s will be available.
"This event showcases the businesses in and around downtown Dover," said Jim Gill, director at the Dover Public Library and coordinator for the annual event. "I can't tell you how many times I hear people say they didn't know a business existed until they came to the walk. That is priceless for our local merchants. It's amazing how when we work together it is good for downtown merchants, good for residents and good for the community."
Area businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in the walk. There is still time to be added as a Sweet Stop. Call Gill at 330-343-6123.
The Chocolate Walk is sponsored by the Canal Dover Association and the Friends of the Dover Public Library.