Photo courtesy of David Beckham Photography
There may be no sweeter way to explore community businesses than the Olde Pickerington Village Chocolate Hop.
On May 1 from 6-8 p.m., the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association’s fourth annual Chocolate Hop will give participants the opportunity to discover small businesses within Olde Pickerington Village while satisfying sugary cravings.
Related: Your guide to cupcake options in Pickerington
With a $5 donation, which goes this year to the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society, each participant receives a map showing participating businesses. These 10-15 businesses give out chocolate desserts to each visitor over the course of the two-hour event, says Chocolate Hop coordinator and Olde Pickerington Village Business Association member Peggy Portier.
“You hop from business to business, (and) you can shop if you want to or talk to (them),” says Portier. “The whole idea is to get people into businesses around the area.”
The event has grown since it began in 2011, with a few more businesses and a condensed area in which to walk from store to store. The past two years, all tickets have sold out, says Portier, who encourages interested readers to buy their maps earlier rather than later because of limited supply.
David Beckham of David Beckham Photography has participated as a vendor for all four Chocolate Hops.
“(I like) seeing all the new faces come in, and they always tell me (my treat is) the best,” says Beckham.
Beckham is known for the chocolate fondue he offers visitors along with bananas, strawberries, marshmallows and other dipping treats. Beckham specializes in senior pictures, and during the Chocolate Hop, he invites some of these students to help collect tickets and keep the chocolate fondue filled up.
“Having the kids help (is my favorite thing),” says Beckham. “They have a blast.”
The event helps raise awareness for many of the small businesses within Olde Pickerington Village, Beckham says.
“It does bring attention to my business through the girls helping out and all the people coming in and seeing the photos on the wall,” says Beckham. “It’s not just eating (chocolate); it’s pretty visual too.”
For more information on Pickerington’s annual Chocolate Hop visit www.pickeringtonvillage.com or call 614-321-8221. Tickets are available starting April 1.
Elizabeth Tzagournis is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
