The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The Historic Masonic Theatre was transformed into a chocolate lovers paradise for several hours Saturday as the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center presented its 13th annual Chocolate Festival.
The festival is held each year as the primary fundraiser for the arts center.
“Everything was just grand today,” said Betsy Carter, Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center Board president. “All three (theatre) floors were full.”
The festival included samplings of a variety of chocolate delicacies from local bakers, as well as baked goods for sale, in the theatre’s WestRock ballroom.
Several local musicians provided entertainment while festival-goers sampled the various chocolate delicacies.
Several examples of chocolate-themed artwork were also on display in the theatre lobby. In the theatre’s Underground Lounge and Café, a silent auction was held.
The event was highlighted by the chocolate contest, in which bakers squared off in a number of categories for bragging rights.
Winners included:
•Cakes: Buddy Carter, first place; Becca Young, second place; Morgan Valois, third place.
•Brownies/Cookies: Buddy Carter, first place; Nancy Kilian, second place; Ann Kreft, third place.
•Candy/Fudge: Kyle Keyser, first place and second place.
•Cupcakes: Libby Burger, first place; Debbie Strott, second place.
•Pies: Johnette Roberts, first place; Betsy Carter, second place.
•Wild Card: Skip McMullan, first place; Denny Nelson, second place; Martha McMullan, third place.
Best In Show went to Nancy Kilian for her Cinnamon Espresso Cream Cheese Iced Brownies; while the People’s Choice award, voted on by festival-goers, went to Ann Wright for her Toffee Bark.
Judges for the chocolate competition were Alan “Big Al” Howard, Rob Bennett, Tammy Scruggs-Duncan, Jeff Stern, Jane Higgins and Gavin Dressler.
“We [were] so thrilled with everybody being here,” added Carter. “We most of all thank all the people who contributed … everything to make this such a success. The arts center really appreciates it.”
The Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center held its 13th annual Chocolate Festival Saturday at the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge. The festival was highlighted by the chocolate contest, with bakers squaring off in several categories. From left are Nancy Kilian, who won Best In Show for her Cinnamon Espresso Cream Cheese Iced Brownies, and Ann Wright, who won People’s Choice for her Toffee Bark. (Gavin Dressler Photo)
