Located in the heart of Susquehanna County, the town of Montrose, PA, has a long list of traditions, including the old crowd-pleasers such as the July Fourth celebration and the Blueberry Festival, but also many growing traditions that reflect the changing interests of area artisans, merchants and entrepreneurs. One new tradition, now in its second year, is the Montrose Chocolate & Wine Festival. This first major festival of the year will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 16th, 2009.

The event, which takes place along Chestnut Street in downtown Montrose, was well-attended last year despite a threatening sky. Many came to the festival to sample the products of regional wineries and vineyards as well as chocolate delights such as "black and white cookies" and "cranberry almond bark" –all this while enjoying some live entertainment and good conversation between friends. Like last year, the festival proceeds will be donated to the local hospital and library, which are both raising funds to better serve the community with new facilities. The event is something residents can take pride in as part of Montrose’s continuing revitalization with recently renovated storefronts, new businesses, and remodeled buildings.

Tom Follert, organizer of the Chocolate & Wine Festival, was thrilled with last year’s success. This season the festival has added more gourmet food vendors including three more regional wineries. Antler Ridge Winery, Shade Mountain Vineyard, Hidden Creek Winery, Nimble Hill, Starr Hill Vineyard and Grovedale Winery have all confirmed their participation. The event planning committee hopes to add one or two more vendors to the expanding list of fine wine vendors. The committee is excited about the new events that will join last year’s chocolate themed quilt raffle and the popular Everything Chocolate Cooking Contest. And like last year, the ticket price is relatively low compared to other festivals of its kind.

Many local citizens are pleased with the addition of an upscale festival in Montrose. "I see the area," says Follert, "as a creative community that‘s undiscovered by the outside world. We hope the festival sheds some light on it."

One of the new events that will spotlight regional artists is a juried art show to be held at The Butternut Gallery and Second Story Books, located in The Truman Lacey Building at 42 Church Street. This art show will be a chance to view fine artwork created by long-time area artists and the many transplants who have chosen to call the rolling-hills of Susquehanna County their home. Since the Focus of the exhibition is "Exploring Our Regional Sense of Place," artists will have an opportunity to show off what is best about this bucolic corner of our world. As the Best of Show winner will be awarded a thousand dollars, the contest is likely to attract the area’s top talent. Artists can find the Call for Entry at The Butternut Gallery, 570-278-4011 or they can download it from the festival website.

Another popular event from last year was the chocolate factory tour of The Sweet Spot featuring Chocolates by Leopold. One of Montrose’s newer businesses, this enticing shop is where confectioner Leopold Schreiber has perfected the art of candy making for local patrons and for many others who purchase his sweet treats in places such as New York City, Philadelphia and Upstate New York. The factory tours take place every hour from 2 to 5 PM on the same day as the Chocolate & Wine Festival and feature a look at chocolate making behind-the-scenes, culminating with a sample of some of their most popular gourmet products.

Festival goers have a chance to make a day of it if they choose to come early and visit the many downtown shops of this historic town. These shops, as well as the Chocolate & Wine Festival, continue to make Montrose not only a name on a map, but an exciting destination for tourists.

Shoppers can browse for gifts to suit any occasion, kitchen and dining accessories, health foods and organic and all natural products, books, gowns, gift shops, antiques and even all natural pet supplies. Or you may choose to have lunch at one of the restaurants found throughout the town offering a wide variety of dishes. Whatever your fancy, Montrose seems to have what people are looking for.

For more information about the upcoming Chocolate & Wine Festival, please visit: www.chocolatewinefestival.com where tickets may be purchased in advance for $12. Advance tickets may also be purchased at The Sweet Spot, The Butler’s Pantry or The Butternut Gallery and Second Story Books or for $15 at the gate. Purchase includes a wine glass, festival brochure and a chocolate treat.

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