By Marcella Peyre-Ferry
Contributing Writer

It’s time for chocolate lovers and chocolate bakers to get ready for the annual Chocolate Festival, which will take place at the Oxford United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 7. This year, there are some changes, including a new category for patriotic entries celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday.

“It’s a big, fun event that brings joy to people’s hearts,” committee member Patricia Reese said. 

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., chocolate lovers get a chance to take part in tastings of a wide variety of chocolate goodies. 

They have set new prices this year, and $5 will purchase four tickets. Each ticket entitles the holder to a full size cupcake, cookie, slice of cake, piece of fudge or a serving of another type of chocolate dessert. Unlike past years, there will be no individual ticket sales. 

When tickets are purchased, you will receive a container to use as you make your selections. No outside containers are permitted. There will be a special table featuring gluten-free items for those with dietary restrictions. 

Waiting lines can be long, but do not fear that the chocolates will disappear. Church volunteers are donating baked items to supplement the entries in the chocolate-baking contest.

Bakers may enter the competition by bringing their uncut, homemade creation on a disposable plate or container to the church between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m on the day of the event. There is no entry fee. Judging by professional artisans begins promptly at 10 a.m. After judging is complete, volunteers will cut the items (if necessary) and add them to the selection of chocolate delights that will be available to the public in the church hall. 

Judges will award ribbons to first, second, third and honorable mention in each category as well as a best in show which will receive a basket filled with baking related items. 

There are seven categories for entries this year : cakes, cupcakes, candy and fudge, cookies, other desserts (including brownies), items made by children age 16 and under, and chocolate items celebrating our nation’s Semiquincentennial. Entrants in the special category are challenged to use their imaginations to create something that will honor our country’s 250th birthday.

Each entry must have chocolate as an ingredient. No desserts that require refrigeration are allowed. All  entries must be a whole batch such as a whole cake, a dozen cupcakes, etc.

Special features this year will include candy-filled jars that will be awarded to the person who comes closest to guessing the number of pieces in the jar.

There will also be an opportunity to order the United Methodist Church’s delicious Easter Eggs. Handmade by volunteers, the chocolate enrobed and decorated eggs have become a beloved tradition. Four flavors of the large eggs are available: chocolate nut, coconut cream, peanut butter and buttercream. 

This will be the final day for egg orders. Eggs cost $8 each and must be picked up at the church on Wednesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 4 to 6 p.m.

Proceeds from the Chocolate Festival go to the church’s United Women of Faith, which works to improve the lives of women, children, and youth locally and abroad.

This year also marks the 175th anniversary of the Oxford United Methodist Church. There will be special events throughout the year, and a book on the history of the church has been written. 

The Oxford United Methodist Church is located at 18 Addison St. in Oxford. Additional information can be found on the church’s Facebook page.