Whether you just want to visit a few favorite chocolate booths, find some unique artwork, get some kettle korn or listen to some tunes, there won’t be any shortage of things to do this weekend at the annual Oakdale Chocolate Festival.
In its 24th year, the downtown fest draws thousands to the Cowboy Capital of the World for another well-known area attraction: chocolate.
Chocolate Avenue will have its traditional vendors, there will be food and merchandise booths, games and rides for the kids, entertainment, a petting zoo, gold panning and more.
It’s a traditional great kick-off to the summer season and Oakdale Chamber of Commerce officials invite everyone to come join the fun. Entry fee is just $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, kids 12 and under are free. Get a dollar off admission by bringing in a canned food item.
Activities kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday, and run through 6 p.m.; Sunday festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the festival covers a several block area from F Street to H Street, centered around Yosemite Avenue in the heart of downtown, with several entry gates set up around the perimeter. Around Wood Park you will find merchandise booths and food, the Classic Car show is lined up along Yosemite Avenue between G and H streets, the kids area is near the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train location, with pony rides and a petting zoo close by. A mechanical bull is set up in that area as well. The Delta Gold Diggers return to give gold panning demonstrations, the water games and water ballerz are back and a kids rodeo will be set up for the youngsters throughout the day.
On the Chocolate Challenge Stage there will be a number of HAWK chocolate challenge games, interspersed by performances ranging from the Ballet Folklorico de las Rosas to Zumba, Oakdale MMA to Bellalise School of Dance.
On the Main Stage, seven different musical groups will perform during the course of the weekend. Of course, chocolate is a main attraction and there will be plenty of booths featuring the sweet treat. Festival attendees can also find a wide variety of food options and merchandise vendors will have their wares set up and available for sale throughout the two jam-packed festival days.
