2nd Annual Moonlight & Chocolate Walk Oct. 9

Marietta merchants preparing for deliciously decadent event

MARIETTA, OH (September 18, 2009) – Marietta merchants are preparing for the most decadent event of the year as the second annual Moonlight & Chocolate Walk approaches Friday, October 9.

The Moonlight & Chocolate Walk will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. throughout downtown Marietta and Harmar Village. Participants will begin their unique shopping experience at 6:00 p.m. at the Historic Lafayette Hotel where they will register and pick-up an exclusive Chocolate Walk bag.

Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Tickets will be available the night of the event at the Lafayette Hotel or may be purchased prior to the event at the Lafayette Hotel, Marietta/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau office (Putnam Commons), or by contacting Restore Marietta Event Chairman Chuck Swaney at 740-215-4663.

Participants will be entered to win a number of prizes including a Chocolate Diamond Pendant, two luxury Chocolate Fenton Art Glass collectibles and a Valley Gem fall lock cruise for two.

“What more could you ask for? It’s one edible night of chocolate partnered with shopping and the chance to win a chocolate diamond pendant donated by Goldline Jewelers!,” Restore Marietta Event Chairman Chuck Swaney said.

“I’m supportive of the promotions we do throughout downtown and want to help support all the merchants in their collective efforts,” said Tom Hockenbroct, owner of Goldline Jewelers. “Our store will provide the grand prize item – a Chocolate diamond pendant necklace valued at $520. It’s a pretty piece that incorporates a quarter karat of diamonds and 10 karats of white gold. Chocolate diamonds are unusual and are very popular right now, so we felt this would be an interesting prize that would be nice and worthwhile for the promotion of the event.”

The raffle drawing for each prize will take place at the Lafayette Hotel at 9:30 p.m., October 9. Winners do not have to be present to win.

“We encourage the public to visit our historic shopping districts and enjoy a wonderful fall evening in downtown. Many shops will be featuring special treats or in-store discounts,” Swaney said.

Participating merchants include the Historic Lafayette Hotel (corner of Front & Green); The Levee House Restaurant (127 Ohio St).; Rossi Pasta (106 Front St.); Goldline Jewelers (150 Front St.); H. Reitz & Co. (163 Front St.); Marietta Wine Cellars (170 Front St.); Twisted Sisters (197 Front St.); FOUND Antiques (113 Maple St. Harmar Village, across the train bridge); The Framing Gallery (220 Front St.); Sorelle (216 Front St.); Monogram Market (250 Front St.); American Flags & Poles (276 Front St.); Sugden Books (282 Front St.); Putnam Chocolates (288 Front St.); Teri Ann’s (290 Front St.); Baker & Baker Jewelers (105 Putnam St.); and Merle Norman & More (132 Putnam St.).

Restore is honored to support the BRAvo event hosted at the Riverside Artist Gallery October 9 from 6-9:00 p.m. The BRAvo art project is designed to celebrate survival and hope through some of the very things that symbolize women and breasts - Bras. To learn more, visit www.bravoartproject.com.