Death By Chocolate Event Keeps Growing

OCEAN CITY – Lovers of sweets from all around are keeping the “Death by Chocolate” event growing every year.

The 4th Annual “Death by Chocolate” event takes place on Sunday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The owners of CraZy LadyZ in West Ocean City, Jan Patterson and Louise Reardon, created the event to promote local businesses during the off season.

“It was designed in the dead of winter to create awareness for the local population to really see what is at their back door,” Patterson said. “So often we don’t go into a particular place of business unless we have a need but word of mouth is the most valuable means of advertising.”

Patterson said there are many new businesses added to the list this year, totaling 20 participating merchants.

“This is our fourth year, and it is the biggest,” Patterson said. “More merchants keep coming on board. New merchants come to town and they hear about it and they are very excited about signing up.”

“Death by Chocolate” involves contestants picking up a game card at any participating place of business and visiting all merchants to fill out the clue card while snacking on chocolate and exploring what they have to offer. Once the card is complete, it is to be submitted to Sunset Grille by 6 p.m.

“We turned it into a game and every merchant has some level of chocolate in their store,” Patterson said. “People can come into their store with a game card and play the game…it’s basically a word game.”

By submitting the game card to Sunset Grille, the contestant will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win various prizes supplied by the participating merchants.

“It’s really fun and every year there has been at least 250 people that play the game,” Patterson said.

Participating businesses include CraZy LadyZ, Kendall Furniture, Monkey Trunk, OC Floor Gallery and Ruddo’s Golf, among many others.

“It is really cool, and there is some really fun finds that people stumble upon,” Patterson said. “It is also a chance for the local community to meet the business owners at the stores.”

The drawings will begin at 7 p.m. at Sunset Grille. Specials will be offered on chocolate martinis, wine, beer, and entrees during happy hour from 3-6 p.m. For more information on the event, call Patterson at 410-213-2085.

“Now that the Super Bowl is over and Valentine’s Day will be over, you get a Sunday to go out and about,” Patterson said. “I mean what else can you do in the dead of winter?”