OCEAN CITY – The 8th Annual Death by Chocolate will return this weekend with players roaming West Ocean City to get to know their local merchants while having the chance to win over $1,000 in prizes.
The 8th Annual Death by Chocolate event will be held Sunday, Feb. 15. The event is free and open to the public.
CraZy LadyZ owners Jan Patterson and Louise Reardon created the event to promote West Ocean City businesses during the off season.
“When we first went around to the local merchants, they really thought we were crazy but in the dead of winter it is wonderful to have all of these people come into your store,” Patterson said. “Local businesses have their main offerings but every year they have new offerings, new lines, new products and new services, so while you may think you know the business, playing the game really creates an awareness of up-to-date offerings and services of your local businesses.”
Over the years, contestants have been coming from near and far to take part in the game. In the first year, over 150 people participated with the event growing to over 600 participants last year, and just as many are expected this year.
“The reason the game goes on every year is not only because it is fun but because every year we have had an influx in people moving to our area and it is an opportunity for them to see who it is out their back door. The biggest quest is for the merchants to have enough chocolate to serve,” Patterson said.
Every year Death by Chocolate takes on a different theme, and the theme in 2015 is “Where the heck am I?” Game cards can be picked up at any of the participating merchants on the day of the event. All merchants will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Organizers advise players give themselves enough time as participants must visit all stores to find the clues, figure out the answer and have the card validated by each business while indulging in chocolate.
“It is called Death by Chocolate because each local merchant serves some type of chocolate as you play the game and go into each store,” Patterson said. “It is a really fun day and a good opportunity to meet the owners of the stores, and also an opportunity to see the kinds of products and services that these local merchants offer. The course of the day trickles throughout the course of the year because the people who visit from out of our area to play the game will come back in the summer and know to visit those merchants.”
Drop off your completed game card at your last stop or bring it to Sunset Grille no later than 6 p.m. on Sunday to be entered into the drawings for prizes from each participating merchant. The drawing will be held at 7 p.m. You do not have to be present to win but do have to be 21 to enter the drawings due to the nature of some of the prizes. Winners will be notified the following day.
There will be 16 drawings for over $1,000 in prizes that include a variety of gift certificates, services and merchandise provided by participating businesses.
Join the fun and stay for a great evening at Sunset Grille. The dinner special that evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is buy one entrée and appetizer and get the second entrée free. Make a reservation under “Death by Chocolate.” Drink specials start at 1 p.m. and include $3.25 glasses of wine, $1.75 domestic beer, $4 orange crushes and of course $4 chocolate martinis.
For more information call CraZy LadyZ at 410-213-2085.
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Participating Businesses
(Prizes Available)
CraZy LadyZ!
($50 gift certificate)
Monkey’s Trunk
($50 gift certificate)
Precious’ Boutique
($25 gift certificate)
Kendall Furniture
($100 gift certificate)
Bliss Salon & Spa
(Chocolate Spa Sampler of a mini facial and mini pedi & mani valued at $80)
OC Floor Gallery
($250 gift certificate)
IMPACT Home Technology
(Bose Sound Link Mini for smart phone valued at $200)
Bomshell Boutique
($50 gift certificate)
OC Organics
(Fair TrDE Organic Gift Basket valued at $80)
Buddahs & Beads
($50 gift certificate)
Bungalow 7
($50 gift certificate)
Wockenfuss
(Chocolate Tower valued at $100)
Park Place Jewelers
(Set of three Alex & Ani bracelets valued at $100)
Marlin Market
(Wine Basket and $25 gift certificate valued at $75)
Snapdragon
($50 gift certificate)
Sunset Grille
($50 gift certificate)