The Knoxville Chapter of the Kidney Foundation started Chocolatefest more than twenty-five years ago at Knoxville Center. Eventually, the chapter decided to forego the yearly event.When one of the former board members had an urge to bring the festival back, she asked past Chocolatefest judge and local radio personality Jennifer Johnsey if she would help. Luckily, Jennifer was happy to oblige.

This year marks the fifth for this revised annual sweet affair and event coordinator Johnsey says that while there have definitely been some growing pains, most of the kinks have been worked through.

“Last year we came up with a new strategy to prevent the long lines by adding timed ticketing. This worked like a charm and turned attendee’s frowns into smiles.”

Johnsey says the festival is taking improvements one-step further in 2019. Timed Tasting Ticket holders, those paying $25 for their tickets, will be seated in the “Sweet Spot,” where they will experience Chocolatefest on a personal level during their chosen designated time, as servers bring each chocolate item to them while the emcee explains who made the item, what it is and where they can get more.

These tickets are limited to 1250. While that may sound like a lot of tickets, keep in mind that thousands visit this festival from Knoxville and outside the area each year. If you would like to experience Chocolatefest on this level, it is suggested you purchase your ticket soon online at: https://chocolatefestknoxville.com/tickets.

If $25 worth of chocolate sounds like more than you can eat, General admission to come shop and check out the vendors, some of whom will have free samples, is a $5.00 donation which goes to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Knoxville. Ages five and under are free. You do not need to purchase a general admission ticket in advance. Shopping hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This year’s vendors will also include local authors, Danielle Asher, Carol McClain, Bobbi Phelps, Cheryl Peyton, Sharon Higa, and BJ Gillum, members of the Authors Guild of Tennessee. These authors will be on hand to talk about, sell and sign their books. More info about these and other Authors Guild of Tennessee writers can be found at: https://authorsguildoftn.com/

Chocolatefest Knoxville 2019 will be held at the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall, 935 World’s Fair Par Drive, Saturday, Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tasting Tickets are $25.00 per person online and include general admission, plus admission into the “Sweet Spot” at your designated tasting time.