Chocolate Walk in downtown Kent sells out
February 12, 2023
Over 200 attendees from across Northeast Ohio participated in the Main Street Kent’s Chocolate Walk Saturday afternoon after tickets for the event sold out.
More than 32 local businesses served sweet treats to a large audience of chocoholics. Attendees were able to explore the streets of downtown Kent, enjoy chocolate treats and shop at local businesses along the route.
The afternoon kicked off with check-in at Erie Street Kitchen where attendees received maps, passes, bags and their first sweet treat: chocolate covered strawberries.
Local mother-daughter duo Sommer Dunlevy and Kathy Tinker said they were excited to visit all the small businesses.
“I enjoy exploring new places and shops that are here,” said Dunlevy. “The chocolate covered strawberries were delicious.”
The event included new participating businesses this year, such as Flourish Plant Market, Daisy Pops + Hazelmade and Over Easy at the Depot.
Flourish Plant Market owners Kelly and Alicia Hall handed out chocolate covered Oreos to mimic the look of cacti.
Over Easy owners Shannon and Chad Zemba said this was their first year participating in the walk. They were handing out chocolate covered bacon to attendees.
“It’s our first year doing it,” said Shannon Zemba. “Last year we were only at the Erie Street location and it was just too small, but we are excited to be participating this year.”
The event enticed attendees to explore new businesses that have opened this past year.
Kent local Mary Murphy said she was excited to check out the new locations and old staples in downtown Kent.
Downtown Kent staples such as Taco Tantos, Tree City Coffee & Pastry and Kent State Hotel were also on the list of participating businesses. Many attendees were excited to visit new shops including Flourish Plant Market and Tiger Rae Boutique.
“I am looking forward to checking out Popped! and Flourish Plant Market,” Murphy said.
Kent State alumni Carla Wyckoff and Nancy Schiappa said they met at Kent State University and have been long time friends since. The pair said they love to come to downtown Kent as often as they can to support local businesses.
“This is a fun thing to do on a February afternoon,” said Wyckoff. “We just think it will be nice to visit some of the new shops and also make a return visit.”
All ticket holders were entered in a drawing for the grand prize: a pair of diamond stud earrings provided by Squirrel City Jewelers.
Owner of Squirrel City Jewelers Michael Faehnel said he has been participating in the walk since the boutique opened in 2020.
“We are giving out tons of brownies,” said Faehnel. “We have a bunch of different flavors. They are awesome.”
Even those who are not from the area enjoyed the Chocolate Walk through downtown.
“We just enjoy coming out, hanging out with friends and of course chocolate,” said Jaron Puszakowski from Cleveland. “The town is so friendly and inviting, we always have a good time.”
Chloe Cornely is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
Abby Forbes is a TV2 reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
