Organizers: “This festival has something for everyone”

CELINA-After a successful debut a year ago, the 2nd Annual Chocolate Gravy Festival is expected to fill the downtown area here to the brim again Saturday.

Thousands packed the streets around the Historic Clay County Courthouse for the first one-of-a-kind event in 2025, and organizers are again expecting a big crowd.

“Whether you’re a devoted chocolate lover, a passionate foodie, or simply looking for a fun day out with friends and family, this festival has something for everyone,” they said.  “Bring your appetite and get ready to sample some of the best chocolate gravy in the South!

Large numbers of commemorative sampling bowls have already been pre-sold and many more will be available for purchase the morning of the festival.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including the Chocolate Gravy Gallop—a 5K and 3K run/walk to kick off the event at 7 a.m.

Taste testing of all the chocolate gravy contestants’ entries will then start at 9 a.m., with judging taking place for the main competition, the chocolate pie contest, biscuit contest, and brownie contest to follow.

Judges will again include News Channel 5 media personality Nick Beres.  He will be joined by award-winning filmmaker Eric Byford, Cutthroat Kitchen winning chef Dwayne Ingraham, retired UPS driver Richard Webb, and well-known locals Phyliss Boyce and Judith Nevins.

New this year will be a performance by the Guyan River Cloggers set to first take place at 11 a.m. at courthouse and again at 1 p.m. on East Lake Avenue.

The Clay County Museum will also be hosting a quilt show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the second year in a row and live music on the square will kick off at 2 p.m., while the ever-popular chocolate gravy eating contest and a cornhole tournament will begin at that same time.

Organizers have also announced the addition of a carnival by Casey’s Rides to be set up in the Racoe parking lot just below the square both Friday (4-9 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) nights.

Additionally, over 80 street vendors will be camped around the courthouse and in the downtown area for attendees to enjoy, while downtown businesses and eateries will have their doors open to the public throughout the day.

For more information about Saturday’s event, follow Celina Downtown Events on Facebook.