Chocolate Extravaganza a family tradition for Martins
The 27th annual Chocolate Extravaganza was held on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Coshocton County Career Center. This year, entertainment was provided by the Acafellow Four which consists of Mark Rhodes, Stephen Bentley, Keith Ebright, and Mike Morris.
COSHOCTON – The sweet smell of chocolate permeated the Coshocton County Career Center on Saturday, Feb. 9 during the 27th annual Chocolate Extravaganza. Tables covered with cakes, cookies, candies, and other sweet desserts filled the cafeteria and chocolate lovers were lined up outside of the building before the opening, ready to claim their favorite desserts.
The Chocolate Extravaganza is a tradition for many in the community. Steve and Jackie Martin came to the first Chocolate Extravaganza when it was held at the Pomerene Center for the Arts in 1991 shortly after they moved back to Coshocton.
Jackie grew up in Coshocton and Steve was from Cincinnati. When they married, the couple lived in Cincinnati for a while, then moved to Oklahoma before finally moving back to Coshocton.
“I remember the first Chocolate Extravaganza, the chocolate truffles were really good,” said Jackie. “We have been to almost every one. It’s our little family tradition.”
The couple now brings their teenagers to the event every year.
“It’s become such a tradition for us,” said Steve. “Obviously, we come to support the Pomerene Center for the Arts because our kids have been involved with different programs there. Our daughter was involved with the art program at the Pomerene.”
Our Town Coshocton was involved at the event for the first time this year with Valentine’s for old, vacant, historical buildings in Coshocton.
“We’re asking people to make a Valentine and tell something about what you want us to put on the building,” said Delia Meek, board member of Our Town Coshocton. “These buildings at one time were amazing.”
Each heart was lovingly decorated with a heart-felt message and placed in a bag corresponding with what building people loved the most. Buildings featured included the Selby Building, the Pomerene Center, O’Neil’s and IOOF Hall, Carnegie Library, Frew’s Building, Rodgers Block and Elks Lodge, Chacos Brothers Building, the Mizer Sanitarium, and the Sixth Street Row Houses.
“It’s part of the revitalization of downtown Coshocton,” said Meek. “We want to raise awareness of the potential we have.”
Each year, the Chocolate Extravaganza raises money for the general upkeep of the Pomerene Center for the Arts. Funds also go to staff salaries. Any funds that remain are used for projects around the center.
“We have such an amazing crew of people,” said Donovan Rice, event planner and coordinator at Pomerene Center for the Arts. “Even if we didn’t contact them [the bakers], I feel like they would show up and know exactly what to do. Just a big thank you to everybody. Each year, they really step up their involvement.”
Category: Arts & Entertainment
