Democrat staff reports
For a 11th year, crowds of chocolate lovers will descend on downtown Nashville to gather treats, guilt-free.
That’s because the Chocolate Walk is a benefit for the Brown County Humane Society, and the money it raises helps find new homes for more than 95 percent of its strays.
Thirty-two Nashville businesses will become Chocolate Walk stops Saturday, Nov. 10. At each stop, ticket holders will be able to gather a different chocolate treat to eat.
Two food trucks will be a new feature at this year’s Chocolate Walk in an attempt to cut down on the complaints received last year about long lines at local restaurants, said committee member Mary Jo Conley. They will be from Brozinni’s pizza and from Limestone BBQ & More Catering.
Also, three musicians will play on the courthouse lawn from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: John Whitcomb; Ken and Debbie Wilson; and Mojave, a rock, blues and country band.
The Chocolate Walk continues to be a major fundraiser for the 52-year-old humane society, which needs $31,000 per month to operate.
Chocolate Walk proceeds cover just shy of a month’s worth of expenses.
UPDATE Last year, the shelter took in more than 700 homeless pets. About 63 percent of stray dogs are reunited with their owners; less than 6 percent of cats are, the society reports.
To help reduce the number of unwanted animals coming into the shelter, the local humane society started the S.P.O.T. program several years ago. It provides spay/neuter services for as little as $1.
All businesses participating in the Chocolate Walk donate their time and the chocolates they serve. Some offer discounts on merchandise to Chocolate Walk participants.
Rides on the Nashville Express train will be free to Chocolate Walkers that day.
All Chocolate Walk participants will get to vote for their favorite chocolatier in taste, creativity and presentation categories.
Tickets for this event often sell out before it starts — all 1,250 of them. They cost $25 per person until Nov. 1, when the price goes up to $30.
Find a ticket purchase link at bchumane.org/chocolate-walk.
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1. Brown County Art Gallery. (Pick up pre-purchased tickets here starting at 10 a.m.) Guest chocolatier at this stop: The Abe Martin Lodge.
2. Touch of Silver, Gold & Old
3. Woodlands Gallery
4. The Educated Otter
5. New Harmony Soap Co.
6. Heritage Candy Store
7. Artist Colony Inn
8. Dawn’s Nashville House of Jerky
9. Kiss the Cook
10. Wishful Thinking
11. Nashville General Store and Bakery
12. Casa del Sol
13. Bone Appetit Bakery
14. Sweetea’s Tea Shoppe
15. Brown County Visitors Center. Guest chocolatier at this stop: Bear Wallow Distillery
16. Mercantile T-Shirt Shop
17. Nashville Fudge Kitchen
18. The Chocolate Moose
19. 4th Sister Vintage
20. Jack & Jill Nut Shop
21. Brown County Playhouse Performing Arts Center
22. The Hobnob Corner Restaurant
23. The Wild Olive
24. The Candy Emporium
25. The Emerald Pencil
26. Gnaw Bone Country Store & Bakery (at the Village Green Pavilion)
27. Brozinni Pizzeria
28. Brown County Humane Society (on the courthouse square). Guest chocolatier at this stop: Bean Blossom Animal Clinic
29. Nashville Spice Company
30. Carmel Corn Cottage
31. Friends of the Brown County Public Library
32. Brown County IGA
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