Perry’s Chocolate Walk returns Saturday for 21st year
Perry’s annual Chocolate Walk, a sweet way to promote local shopping, returns Saturday.
“There are 20 participating businesses but when you’re thinking about 20 pieces of chocolate of various sizes and shapes and flavors, that is a lot of sweets,” said Perry Chamber Executive Director Lynsi Pasutti. “So a great value when you think of a $10 ticket to explore the wonderful things that we have in Perry, checking out the various businesses that are participating.”
This is the 21st year for the Valentine’s Day-themed event.
“Twenty-one years going strong," Pasutti said. "It has shifted over the years but continues to grow with participation and attendance,”
This year’s Chocolate Walk, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature 20 stops:
Alice's Haus Dresin – 924 Otley
Backwards Boutique - 1124 2nd
Ben's Five & Dime - 1221 2nd
Betsy Peterson Designs - 1121 2nd
Blonde Sisters Boutique 1122 2nd
Carnegie Library Museum - 1123 Willis
Harper Rose's Floral & Gifts - 503 1st
Heavenly Delights Chocolates - 2373 X Ave
Hotel Pattee - 1112 Willis
Mary Rose Collective - 1215 Warford
New Hope Bargain Shoppe - 912 Center
Perry Flowers by Donna Jean - 1305 2nd
Perry Grand 3 Theater - 1312 2nd
Perry Paint & Glass - 1216 2nd
Perry Perk - 1201 Warford
Perry Public Library -1101 Willis
Scooter's Coffee - 414 1st Ave
Susie's Shop - 1318 2nd
The Scottish Fox - 1118 2nd
Tractor Supply - 401 1st
“It’s a great chance to realize just how many great shops we have in the community,” Pasutti said.
The classics are back again
Alice’s Haus Dresin, Ben's Five & Dime, Mary Rose Collective and Perry Paint & Glass are all longtime Chocolate Walk participants. Others, like Scooter's Coffee, are participating for the first time this year.
Tickets are $10 and are available in advance at participating businesses, including Ben’s Five and Dime and Perry Perk. Online tickets are available through 5 p.m. on Friday. Tickets can also be purchased on Saturday at participating businesses. Online tickets can be picked at Alice's Haus Dresin on Saturday.
Attendees will receive a Chocolate Walk passport that can be stamped at each location. Each passport stop will feature various chocolate treats and in-store specials.
Whether or not they hit all 20 stops, participants are encouraged to turn in their stamped passports at their last stop or the Hotel Pattee at the end of the day to be entered into a grand prize drawing for $100 in Perry Bucks.
Winter shopping heats up
The Chocolate Walk, Pasutti said, is a fun way to promote local businesses during a typically slower shopping season.
“It’s a great chance to see what’s new in stores,” she added. “We’re kind of in that transition point from winter weather apparel and spring. There’s already some new arrivals and it’s almost spring break time so it’s an exciting time to be thinking about that too for shopping.”
Those seeking an extra shopping opportunity can attend the Sweetheart Sip & Shop from 4-7 p.m. Friday. Sip and shops are held monthly, offering area residents an after-hours shopping experience with refreshments and in-store specials at Perry businesses.
The Sweetheart Sip & Shop will lead into the Chocolate Walk on Saturday, which features a variety of stops offering everything from home décor to clothing, flowers and more.
“It’s traditionally a fun day to travel around and see all of the places, see what’s new and enjoy some chocolates,” Pasutti said.
Online Chocolate Walk tickets can be purchased at 2024perrychocolatewalk.eventbrite.com. More information can be found on the Perry Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Perry's Chocolate Walk returns Saturday. Find out who's participating.
