Thousands come to town for the one-of-a-kind event

By RANDALL ALLEN

Horizon reporter

CELINA-“Wow is all we can say!”

Blown away by what they had witnessed Saturday, organizers of the Inaugural Chocolate Gravy Festival were at a loss for words when trying to express their appreciation, after crowds exceeding expectations turned out for the one-of-a-kind event held here downtown around the Historic Clay County Courthouse over the weekend.

To say the new festival was a huge success is an understatement, as the brainchild of the recently-established Clay County Tourism Board attracted approximately 3,000 people, according to the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.

Attendance numbers approaching 5,000 were also mentioned by organizers and others.

Though no official tally is available, the masses—many who have never been here before–came, and they left their mark.

On social media, the chamber described the event as “bringing significant economic benefits to the area,” and explained festival attendees made a “substantial impact on our local economy.”

They estimated total sales for the day neared $1 million, with restaurants reporting long wait times for tables, gas stations getting big boosts, motels being booked, and downtown stores seeing impressive sales.

“This influx of visitors not only boosted local businesses, but also reinforced the growing appeal of our community as a tourist destination,” chamber officials said.  “We deeply appreciate everyone who contributed to this success and helped fuel the growth of Celina and Clay County during our First Annual Chocolate Gravy Festival.”

A total of 1,000 commemorative bowls quickly sold out that morning, as attendees made their rounds to sample sweetness prepared by nearly two dozen chocolate gravy contestants.

“We would like to thank everyone who came and all that were patient,” organizers said on the Celina Downtown Events Facebook page.  “We do apologize to the ones who did not get mugs or shirts (doubling the order next year!) and those that were understanding.

“This was the very first chocolate gravy festival!  We tried so hard to plan for every little detail, but we for sure made notes for next year and it will be even better!”

Besides sampling by the public, media personalities Nick Beres and Burton Staggs, along with recently-retired UPS driver Richard Webb, served as celebrity judges for the chocolate gravy contest and were on hand to meet and greet the public.

“I’m honored to often be invited to judge or be a part of any number of great culinary contests or festivals,” Beres said.  “And, in all honesty, this is now one of my favorites.”

Their blind votes resulted in Shelia Gaw taking first place in the contest, while Vanessa Winchester and Christina Crawford took home second and third respectively.

Samplers also had a say the same day, as the people’s choice award was handed out to Connie Garrett and Cassandra Smith.

In other contests, Beth Moulton won the best chocolate pie award, Cohen Catron had the best biscuits that day, and Kevin Bailey won the chocolate gravy eating contest.

The action-packed day also featured a quilt show at the museum, a car cruise in, and live music.

As they offered their appreciation on social media, Celina Downtown Events also announced next year’s event will take place on March 28, 2026.

Organizers offered their gratitude to everyone, and also took the time to thank contestants, vendors, bands, security, Clay County Rescue Squad, sponsors, judges, announcer James Hamilton, attendees, and the Clay County Tourism Board.