Tyrone Borough to host chocolate festival

Committee seeks entertainment, vendors for inaugural event

TYRONE -- The Nov. 7 Gardners Candies Chocolate Harvest Festival is a new event Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rose Black said she's been wanting to do for nearly 40 years.

This year, the Tyrone Events and Promotions committee decided to pursue the chocolate festival idea and partnered with Gardners Candies, which picked the date and is branding the event, according to Black.

During the chamber's regular meeting Wednesday, Black said the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 10th Street in Tyrone Borough. The street will be blocked off and feature several food trucks and vendors outside on the street, while something sweet is reportedly being planned inside the Gardners Candies store, she said.

"They really haven't told us what all they're doing yet, but most of their stuff will be inside," Black said of Gardners' plans for the event. "What they're showcasing will be inside their store."

Tyrone Events and Promotions is looking for organizations that want to provide entertainment and vendors looking to sell chocolate items. People wishing to take part in the inaugural chocolate festival have been asked to contact Black at rose@tyronechamber.com.

So far, the Penn State Berkey Creamery has expressed interest in selling its ice cream at the event and another vendor is planning to sell chocolate-

covered popcorn, Black said.

"A lot of the vendors have been creative with their products and they're doing something with chocolate," Black said.

Pending approval from Gardners, officials hope to have a "chocolate stride," which could be a 5K or 10K walk or race in conjunction with the festival, Black said.

During the meeting, the chamber board approved the resignation of board member Jessica Kovac, who cited personal reasons for stepping down from the board.

The chamber is currently seeking people to fill three vacancies on its board of directors, Black said, adding people can contact her with their interest in serving as a member.

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.