23rd Annual Chocolate Celebration Promises Sweet Surprises and Community Spirit

One of Kokomo’s most anticipated community events returns this Friday as Samaritan Caregivers hosts its 23rd annual Chocolate Celebration. Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at One Church (2734 S. Washington St.), the event blends local culinary creativity with a meaningful cause — supporting seniors in Howard County through one of the organization’s most vital fundraisers. And, as always, it is expected to draw hundreds of chocolate lovers from around the community.

“The Chocolate Celebration is our cornerstone fundraiser,” said Jamey Henderson, executive director of Samaritan Caregivers. “It’s a fun, community-centered event that brings people together to support a serious mission — helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity.”

Patterned after the popular Chocolate Fest once held at Indianapolis’ Circle Centre Mall, the Kokomo event has grown into its own tradition — a flavorful and festive afternoon of indulgence and giving. Admission is free, and tasting tickets are available in advance or at the door — five for $20 — each redeemable for one chocolate treat. With more than 3,000 tickets typically redeemed within a three-hour window, Henderson suggests arriving early for the best selection.

The event features 37 vendors this year — one more than last — all offering over 100 servings of their most creative and crowd-pleasing chocolate items. Some are long-standing local businesses, while others are nonprofits or boutiques partnering with local bakers, restaurants, or caterers to compete with standout offerings.

“The creativity we see each year is amazing,” Henderson said. “Some vendors aren’t even in the food business, but they partner with professionals or home bakers to come up with something really special. It’s all about offering a good value for that ticket.”

In addition to edible indulgences, many vendors — including favorites like Humble Home and Mama Karen’s — will be offering gift items, both chocolate and non-chocolate, just in time for Mother’s Day. There’s also an added incentive for early arrivals: the first five guests in line will receive a surprise. The line traditionally begins forming about 30 minutes before the doors open.

New to this year’s celebration is a community scavenger hunt that had Samaritan Caregivers supporters scouring local sponsor locations for tiny crocheted hearts, handmade by Pretty Little Stitches. Each week for the past five weeks, a new sponsor hid a heart and posted clues to Facebook, encouraging fans to find the surprise and win free chocolate tickets.

“People really got into it,” said Henderson. “It was a great way to get the community engaged before the event even started — and of course, there were chocolate tickets included in the prize!”

Also debuting this year is the Middle of Nowhere Food Truck, which will be stationed near the venue’s front entrance. In addition to offering a chocolate item eligible for a ticket exchange, the truck will sell from its full menu before, during and after the event.

“We’re really curious to see how the food truck goes over,” Henderson added. “It adds a savory balance and creates another reason for people to stick around a bit longer.”

One of the most anticipated aspects of the day is the judging — and the tasting that comes with it. Six judges, split into two teams, will sample all 37 chocolate offerings to determine the winners in eight categories: baked goods, cakes and cupcakes, cookies and bars, candy, beverages, ice cream and pudding, gluten-free/sugar-free, and savory. Judges will also select the vendor with the best table presentation, with other honors going to the top newcomer and the vendor who earns the People’s Choice based on the number of tickets redeemed.

Returning to the judging panel this year is The Kokomo Post’s own Erin Larison — assuming, as Henderson joked, that no one shows up in her place.

“We always say if someone else shows up instead of Erin, she might be duct-taped in the bathroom,” she remarked playfully. Joining the judging lineup for the first time this year is retired meteorologist and local news personality Randy Ollis, who brings his signature enthusiasm to the role.

The celebration is a well-oiled machine, thanks to 80 volunteers donning bright blue Chocolate Celebration t-shirts. They help with vendor setup, ticket sales, trash collection, and everything in between. Parking is available at Maple Crest, where attendees can hop a free shuttle running between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each rider receives a complimentary tasting ticket. Meanwhile, live music from the Kokomo Men of Note will fill the air as attendees begin to line up and browse offerings throughout the afternoon.

“There’s always this incredible energy when the doors open,” Henderson said. “People are excited, not just for the chocolate, but for what the event represents. It's truly become a community tradition.”

For those who can’t attend in person, Samaritan Caregivers offers a business delivery option. Orders of at least 10 items ($40 minimum), plus a $5 delivery fee, can be placed online, by phone, or at the Samaritan Caregivers office by Wednesday, April 30. Volunteers will then hand-select a variety of items and deliver them directly to participating workplaces around Kokomo.

“We know not everyone can take time off to attend, so we make it easy for businesses to still enjoy the fun,” Henderson said. “It’s a great way to treat a team or send a little love to a client.”

At the heart of all the sugar and celebration is Samaritan Caregivers’ mission to support older adults in living independently with dignity and care — a cause the community continues to rally behind, year after year.

“We’re grateful to the vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who make this possible,” Henderson said. “It’s more than chocolate — it’s connection, compassion, and Kokomo at its finest.”

Doors open at 11 a.m. Friday. Come ready to satisfy your sweet tooth!