(Enlarge) Daniel Edwards, of Sykesville, employs a zen approach to chocolate appreciation at the second annual Chocolatefest in 2009. This year's event is set for March 21 at the Pleasant Valley Fire Department, in Westminster. (File photo/2009)

Brownies and truffles and cocoa.

Oh my.

These treats, and many more, will be part of a river of chocolate that runs across Carroll County on Sunday, March 21, when the Freedom District Lioness Club hosts its third annual Chocolatefest.

The festivities — and goodies — will be spread out 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Fire Department, 2030 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Westminster.

Chocolatefest celebrates everything cocoa, and showcases the county's best chocolatiers. Vendors scheduled to take part in this year's festival range from national chains to local specialty shops. Among those offering samples will be:

* Michelle's Gourmet Toffee

* Treat Shop and Chocolate Factory

* Tastefully Simple

* Boscov's

* Just Desserts

* Favourite Cookie

* Dunkin' Donuts

* Marina Cuisina

* Savor Coffee

* Chocolate Connection

* Tealightful Treasures, and

* Pampered Chef.

In addition, the Freedom Lioness Club will have its chocolate fountain on hand, with items for dipping.

Attendees will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite items, and a panel of celebrity judges including State Delegate Susan Krebs will vote for their own favorites prior to the event.

In addition to treats for taste buds, there will also be treats for ears, as music will be provided throughout the event.

Keyboardist Frank Cappadora, of Manchester, is a retired CEO of a computer consulting firm, and has entertained for several years at civic functions, parties and senior centers. He plays several instruments including accordion, saxophone, violin and clarinet, and will entertain from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

Christopher Nusbaum, a sixth-grader at Northwest Middle School, plays piano, sings and performs on behalf of the I CAN Foundation, which supports blind and visually-impaired students in Carroll, including Christopher. He will perform 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.

Buck and Debbie Fischer, a husband and wife team, will perform 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. with guitar, mandolin and vocals.

And from 4:15 to 5 p.m., The Flying Scotsman, a.k.a. Jim Thompson, will take the stage. Thompson has been playing accordion since he was a teen, playing at gathering spots in small towns in his native Scotland. He and his wife moved to the United States in 1996 to enjoy retirement, but he continues to entertain.

Admission to Chocolatefest is $15, which includes chocolate tastings, beverages, entertainment and a silent auction.

Proceeds benefit service projects of the Freedom District Lioness Club. For tickets, call Sue Miller at 410-795-0920 or Diane Fischer at 410-781-4911. The event is not for children under age 7.

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