LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) — The 18th annual Lewisburg Chocolate Festival transformed the historic downtown district into a crowded destination for thousands of visitors Saturday, testing the city’s infrastructure as chocolate enthusiasts flooded the streets.
The festival began Saturday morning with the HospiceCare Chocolate Chase 5K and 10K races, where participants navigated the hilly terrain of Greenbrier County before the tasting events commenced. By midmorning, the influx of visitors had filled every available parking space in the downtown area and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
The congestion reached a point where some attendees were forced to park on the far outskirts of the city. One reporter for this publication had to walk approximately two miles to reach the festival grounds after finding no available parking near the event center. Despite the long trek, the sidewalks remained packed with people moving between the various tasting stations that offered everything from traditional truffles to chocolate-covered fruit.
Local vendors and visiting chocolatiers provided a wide array of confections, including holographic chocolate bars and decadent mousse desserts. Street performers and live musicians provided entertainment throughout the afternoon, while the Greenbrier Humane Society hosted an adoption event near Carnegie Hall to showcase local animals.
The event serves as a significant fundraiser for the community. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales is donated to the Family Refuge Center, a nonprofit organization that provides support and shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
While the sheer volume of visitors created logistical challenges for local traffic and parking, the event remains a cornerstone of the regional spring calendar. Organizers typically announce the winners of the professional and amateur chocolate competitions in the days following the festival.
