Carnival events appeal to sweet tooth, entertain whole family

Chocolate lovers, prepare to overwhelm your senses with chocolate in all shapes and sizes.

The 21st annual Chocolate Festival put on by St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School and Church will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The day involves activities for all ages and chocolate treats to tempt all taste buds.

"The Chocolate Festival is truly a very fun, very family-oriented festival. It has great carnival games, events and activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages from children to the young at heart," said Janiece Driscoll, chairman. "We do it at a minimal cost, so the entire family can enjoy."

This year's festival will feature loads of fun including games, vendors, inflatables for kids, plant sale, horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Aiken, T-shirt sale, frozen casserole sale, pie-eating contest, remote-controlled car raceway contest, a chocolate carousel and, of course, lots and lots of chocolate to satisfy the sweet tooth.

The Gourmet Coffee Stand is especially popular in the morning and will be located near the used book sale inside. The book sale will feature VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, board games and more.

The International Foods booth is a favorite lunch spot that will serve many delicious items from around the globe. The plant sale will feature perennials, bulbs and much more. Patrons will be able to order mums and pansies. New this year will be the sale of homemade pestos, jams, jellies and salsas. During the Chocolate Festival, participants will be able to sign up for party baskets including an oyster roast, St. Patrick's Day party, Super Bowl party and a Caribbean-themed party. And don't forget to give blood at the Shepeard Community Blood Mobile.

Several new activities have been added to this year's festival. There will be "Karaoke Idol" for group or individual performances, and video may be available. There will be an expanded vendor booth section showcasing local and home-based businesses and non-profit organizations. The Aiken SPCA will have several animals available for adoption.

"This year we are partnering with the Aiken Public Safety fire cadets. There will be an extreme challenge obstacle course for the kids," Driscoll said. "The fire cadets will bring a fire truck and set up an obstacle course similar to the training course fire cadets undergo. The idea is to teach children to be the best that you can be and to work with the kids to encourage and teach them. We are so glad we are partnering with them."

In addition, the Aiken Public Safety bicycle patrol will be on hand to offer bicycle safety tips and new helmets. Youth are encouraged to bring their old helmets to trade in for new helmets.

"This year so many great things are happening," Driscoll said. "We love to partner with community organizations to really make an impact on the community as a whole."

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.

Want to Go?

What? St. Mary's 21st Annual Chocolate Festival

When? Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - rain or shine

Where? Fairfield Street at Richland Avenue

Cost: Free admission