5th Annual Death By Chocolate Set For Sunday

OCEAN CITY – As “Death by Chocolate” approaches this weekend, players of the game are warned to eat chocolate responsibly.

The 5th Annual “Death by Chocolate” event takes place this Sunday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The owners of CraZy LadyZ in West Ocean City, Jan Patterson-Hohman and Louise Reardon, created the event to promote local businesses during the off season.

“Death by Chocolate” is free and open to the public. Contestants pick up a game card at participating merchants and peruse the store while searching for clues. This year’s theme is “Are You Smarter Than A 3rd Grader?” and by solving simple arithmetic problems the game card will become completed.

“Don’t worry about how the game is played just go pick up a game card and everybody will tell you how it is played,” Patterson-Hohman said. “It is easy.”

Once the card is complete, it is to be submitted to the last stop, Captain’s Galley by 6 p.m. Captain’s Galley is the venue for the post party where 22 drawings will be held for prizes provided by the participating merchants.

Captain’s Galley will have dinner and sandwich specials. Happy hour specials will also be extended including $3 chocolate martinis. Reservations are suggested for those who wish to partake.

There are 21 participating merchants as the list keeps growing each year. .

“We have new players in the game and if gets any bigger we might have to extend it to a two-day weekend to give people a couple days to play the game,” Patterson-Hohman said.

Prizes include a variety of gift certificates, as well as services and merchandise provided by the merchants. There is over $2,000 worth of prizes to be given away.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for all of the local merchants to have promotions and to show their goods,” Patterson-Hohman said. “You come out and meet the owners and maybe see some of the new things people have gotten in. It is a wonderful event, it is a fun day, it is a happy day, and what else can you do in the dead of winter.”

Patterson-Hohman said contestants have been coming from all directions to play the game. They are expecting at least 350 players this year but with 22 drawings the chances of winning are good.

Gene’s Limousine Service is also offering service to those who wish to play the game traveling by limo.

Call CraZy LadyZ at 410-213-2085 if you are interested. It is available for groups of 10 and runs for seven hours.

“The level of chocolate is reaching toxic levels,” Patterson-Hohman said.
Participating Businesses (Prizes Available)

CraZy LadyZ!
($50 gift certificate)

Paws & Claws
($25 gift certificate)

OC Organics
(Handwoven basket of African Fair Trade coffees and chocolate)

Hair Evolution
(Complimentary haircut and blowdry)

Paddle House Outfitters
(free kayak rental for a day)

OC Chamber of Commerce
(Canvas tote, A taste of OC)

Kendall Furniture
(Adirondack chair)

Bliss Salon & Spa
($50 gift certificate)

OC Floor Gallery
($250 gift certificate)

WOC Fitness
(One-year free membership)

Buddhas & Beads
($50 gift certificate)

Monkey’s Trunk
($50 gift certificate)

The Green Room
(Gift basket)

Wockenfuss
(Chocolate Tower)

Park Place Jewelers
(Leather Pandora bracelet with a sterling charm)

Smith Island Cake Co.
(Cake)

Blue Moon Boutique
($25 gift certificate)

Lollipops & Giggles
($25 gift certificate)

Around Sound Music
(Two complimentary music lessons)

Marlin Market
(Happy Hour basket)

Snapdragon
($50 gift certificate)

Captain’s Galley
($50 gift certificate and a free goodie)