City Of Glasgow issued the following announcement on Oct 23.
The eighth annual Chocolate Walk, held on a beautiful fall day on Oct. 18, brought not only members of the community but also those from out-of-town into local businesses. According to organizer Joy Guttenberg, owner of the Apple Trolley who also participated in the event, over 300 people enjoyed fabulous chocolate-related treats from the 16 participating businesses while also learning about what each place has to offer.
The annual event started eight years ago when Guttenberg was struggling to find the items she needed locally. "I never had the time to go from business to business to find the things I needed," explained Guttenberg. "The goal of the event is and has been to get people into the shops. When I first started approaching businesses, 75 percent said no! I was devastated and it was a huge shock to me. My husband encouraged me to go out and try it again. I pitched the event again and businesses were more receptive the second time, especially the new businesses in the area. I kept telling myself, all I need is five for the poker run. All I need is five."
After not talking no for an answer, Guttenberg was able to get 12 businesses to commit the first year and saw 250 people participate. "We ran out of cards and chocolate. The turnout and response was amazing!" recalled Guttenberg.
Every year the event has grown in business and community participation. "Baker's Jewelry, Red Barn Gifts and D&G Sports & Western have been a part of the event since the beginning. There are also several people who have participated in the walk yearly. Since we started the walk, 25 businesses that participated no longer exist, but we have added new businesses along the way. This year new businesses participating include Cherry Creek Bike Shop, DB's Casino, and LuLaRoe," said Guttenberg.
The event has usually always been done the third Friday in October, rain, shine or snow, except for one year when it was held a week later. "The year we had it later, we saw low numbers because it was so close to Halloween and people were out of town, so it wasn't as successful," said Guttenberg. Guttenberg believes one benefit to having the event on the third Friday is school is normally not in session due to MEA break and it provides the opportunity for families and individuals to get out of the house before winter steps in.
In addition to the walk, those 18 years and older had the chance to participate in the Poker Run at each stop. Nicole Cole walked away with bragging rights with the highest hand with a royal flush. Tami Aune achieved low hand, while Sandy Oss won the All-Store Prize. For the second year in a row, participants had the ability to vote on the store with the best chocolate, of which Baker's Jewelry kept the bragging rights from the year before.
"We had a really great turnout this year. The event is always fast and furious but it's all worth it when everyone's response is all positive. Of those participating, 146 went to all the participating stores, and 226 poker cards were handed out. This is probably the biggest numbers we have ever had," said Guttenberg. Prior to this event, the highest attended one was during the early years, when blizzard conditions made the walk and drive to local businesses an interesting one. "During that year, we had people get stuck in front of our building after picking up their poker cards," laughed Guttenberg.
Every year this event is organized, a participant mentions to Guttenberg how they thought they had to drive to Billings or search online for an item that can be purchased locally. Those stories, as well as stories of how people see the poster while staying at the Cottonwood, or seeing an old face bring a new face to the event, keep Guttenberg going year after year. "I start getting phone calls in August from people who have participated, asking me if I'm doing it again," laughed Guttenberg. "People get so excited that they start piling into the Apple Trolley, waiting until the 4 p.m. start time."
Even though it's hard work putting it together year after year, Guttenberg is excited to see what the future brings for the event. "Maybe during the 10th year I will be able to go out and do the walk myself!" she laughed.
Original source here.
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