Pikeville plans chocolate festival to raise money for Relay for Life
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on January 29, 2007 1:46 PM
The town of Pikeville is planning a chocolate festival, "Life is Sweet," for Feb. 17 to raise money for the Relay for Life.
Organizers say the event will not only raise money for the fight against cancer but honor the town's residents who lost their own battle with the disease.
Members of the organizing committee say they are inviting people from across the county to help out, not only by attending and consuming the sweet treats available but also by baking goods themselves for sale or buying advertisements for the event.
Committee member Dennis Lewis said the town's Relay for Life effort is an attempt to recognize the positive side of the fight against cancer.
"Cancer survivors know a side of life that many of us don't," he said. "It must be a little sweeter."
"Life is Sweet" will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Charles B. Aycock High School gymnasium. Admission is $5.
All proceeds will go to the Relay for Life, the county-wide festival to raise money for cancer research.
The day will start off with tastings of cakes, pies, cookies and treats donated by the public. There is no charge to enter an item, but organizers ask that people interested in providing for the competition should bring two of the same item. One will be savored by the judges, a position that still has plenty of vacancies, and the other will be sold during a silent auction later in the day.
People are also encouraged to bring the recipes along with the final product. Any recipes will be sold for additional proceeds.
The event will also feature a blood drive in honor of the late Jody Davis, from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Mrs. Davis was an active member of the community who died o lung cancer in October at the age of 50. Organizers are hoping that at least 75 people will donate a pint of blood. Anyone who donates will receive a free T-shirt.
Lewis said he hopes more will be offered for the public at the event with trade show and craft vendor stands. Spaces are still available for $25 per entry.
Applications for vendors or advertisements are available at the Town Hall at 112 SW Railroad St. For more information, or to volunteer as a judge, call 242-5126 or 242-9620.