A sponsor has stepped in to save Norman Chocolate Festival, after the Firehouse Art Center announced in August it would discontinue the event after 35 years.
It had been the Firehouse’s biggest community event since 1982, but organizers said they wanted to discontinue the festival to allow the center to focus on its primary mission of arts education.
The Norman PTA Council, made up of the 20 PTAs in Norman Public Schools, announced that it is taking over the event, with proceeds helping to fund educational grants across the district, supply additional resources for students and teachers and set up projects to increase family engagement.
“The Firehouse staff and its volunteers created a true legacy in Norman by treating us to chocolate artistry that has transcended generations. We didn’t want this community event that generated sweet memories for so many of us to go away,” says Norman PTA Council president Annette Price. “We are humbled to carry on this celebration, and ecstatic that it will continue to benefit education.”
The festival has been recognized nationally throughout the years, including third on the Food Network’s Top Ten National Food Festival list.
“The Firehouse Board of Trustees is glad to see Chocolate Festival continue under the leadership of our friends at the Norman PTA Council,” says Douglas Shaw Elder, Firehouse Art Center executive director. “Fundraising and community support are integral parts of both of our organizations, so we can fulfill our missions and continue to provide high quality resources for Norman school children.”
The 2018 Norman Chocolate Festival will now take place on Feb. 10 at Norman North High School, and will feature delicious delights from Apple Tree Chocolate, Rusty’s Frozen Custard, Nosh, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, Eskimo Sno, The Diner and Legend’s Restaurant.
Tickets for the 2018 event will be limited to 1,000 due to the new, smaller location. To purchase tickets, visit normanptacouncil.org.
To volunteer to help with the festival, or inquire about becoming a featured eatery, email normanptacouncil@gmail.com.
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