Chocolate Festival benefits Friends of the Fort Smith Library

Chocoholics were in good company on Sunday (Sept. 28) afternoon, as the Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library hosted its sixth annual Chocolate Festival at the Dallas Branch. Offering an array of chocolate desserts and mocha drinks, the event drew hundreds of guests looking to enjoy  some yummy treats and support a good cause.

For $7, guests received six tickets to “purchase” desserts from the participating vendors, who were set up throughout the library. Twenty-three booths were featured at the festival, each serving up a different variety of cookie, cake, fudge, scone or other delectable treat. Participants included a number of non-profit and civic organizations from the community, as well as political candidates, schools, dance studios, running clubs and businesses.

In addition to the tasty treats, guests also had their choice of coffee, tea, and chocolate milk, which was provided by a number of vendors. Bottled water was also available, as was the always-popular  "Friends of the Library Centennial Cookbook," on sale for $20. Those desiring to save a little treat for later could haul home their goodies in a handy to-go box, which was included in this year's ticket price.

First time festival participants Josh and Amanda Johnson were excited to be at the event and were pleased with the response to their Velata-brand products.

"Our caramel, dark chocolate, and bacon popcorn has, by far, been our most popular item of the afternoon," said Amanda. "I think it is because we are the only ones who have a treat with bacon. People hear that and they decide to come check it out."

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library, a non-profit organization that supports the library system both financially and with volunteers. 

"Each year, the group contributes $40,000 in supplemental funding to the Fort Smith Public Library, which is raised  through membership dues and fundraisers such as the Chocolate Festival," said Fort Smith Public Library Director Jennifer Goodson. "Friends funds pay for refreshments offered at library programs and events, prizes for our summer reading programs, and are used to sponsor events such as Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show."

Friends plays a key role in keeping the library's collection current, providing funds for FSPL to purchase new books, DVDS, and eBooks, each year. The organization also provides a solid base of volunteers, helping to offset additional staffing costs for the public library.

In addition to supporting the Friends of the Library, the annual Chocolate Festival serves as a useful tool to the organizations and businesses that take part in it. Vendors are not charged a fee and are asked to simply provide 200 treats for festival-goers to sample.

The event provides a unique opportunity for its participants to market themselves to hundreds in the community.

Membership for "Friends of the Fort Smith Library" is only $10 for individuals. For more information about the organization, call 783-0229.