The 12th Annual Lewisburg Chocolate Festival returns Saturday, Apr. 14, with free entertainment for the whole family. In addition to the chocolate tasting extravaganza, there will be live music, children’s storytelling, balloon animals, magic shows, a classic children’s movie, and more – a smorgasbord for all the senses!
From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Krista Hughes and Jay Milam of the Krista Hughes Band will take the stage in the City Greenspace near the intersection of Washington and Jefferson Streets. A Coal City, WV girl, Krista turned all four coaches’ chairs on NBC’s hit show The Voice with her performance of “Angel from Montgomery.” She performs a wide range of live music with Jay Milam, lead guitar and harmonica. These two are sure to provide a show that will entertain all audiences.
From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Allan Dale Sizemore, leader of BlacKingCoal will perform for festival-goers in the City Greenspace. BlacKingCoal is well versed in American music. Sizemore’s songs, which go from a ‘50s style rock and roll number to a country barroom to a city ballroom and back again, are tied together with a single rope. And sometimes twine.
At 2:30 p.m. in the City Greenspace, catch Lewisburg resident and internationally touring rock violinist, Adam DeGraff, in his new one-man show “Rock Violin Neat.” You’ll have to see it to believe it.
In the event of unfavorable weather, musical performances will move into the building on the southeast corner of Washington and Court Streets. These free live music events are made possible through the sponsorship of Chapman Technical Group.
Back again by popular demand is Balloon Dude Travis, professional balloon artist from Virginia. Travis has been entertaining audiences by twisting balloons into all kinds of creations since 2007. His entertainment is family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages. Travis will be on the streets of the festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Street performer, comedian, and beloved local character El Gleno Grande returns to the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival with a magical equestrian act that only gets more hilarious with time. The antics will delight kids of all ages at 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Court Streets.
Children’s storytelling inside Love Child (933 Washington Street) will begin at 1 p.m. Children are invited to gather around and enjoy a reading of I’m A Hungry Dinosaur. Free books will be distributed while supplies last through the sponsorship of Love Child, Usborne Books, and MonPower.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971 – Rated G) will screen at The Lewis Theatre (865 Court Street North) at 2:30 p.m. This free showing is made possible through the sponsorship of High Country Boutique, Studio 40, and Fritz’s Pharmacy and Wellness Center.
Our friends at U.S. Cellular will set up a chocolate-themed photo booth at this year’s festival. Take home a keepsake of you and the chocolate lovers in your life. A picture is worth a thousand words. What will your photo say?
Festival sponsor, MedExpress Urgent Care, will be set up in front of the Sweet Shoppe (125 Washington Street West) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. where kids can put their own little first aid kits together, complete with a chocolate kiss!
Tasting tickets for the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival are limited and on sale at www.lewisburgchocolatefestival.com or in person at Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center.
The 2018 Lewisburg Chocolate Festival is sponsored by MedExpress Urgent Care, Ron Magruder, WVNS 59News, Kilcollin Dental, Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Chapman Technical Group, Shoney’s, American Beer Company/The Runyon Family, Employee Benefit Services, U.S. Cellular, High Country Boutique, Studio 40, Fritz’s Pharmacy and Wellness Center, Commercial Insurance, Love Child, Barnwood Living, and Cindy and Mark Bowe. This year’s charity partner is the United Way of Greenbrier Valley.
