Carolina Chocolate Festival Celebrates 23rd Annual Charity Event

The long-running festival in Morehead City, North Carolina raises funds for over 20 local charities each year.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Carolina Chocolate Festival, a 23-year-old annual event in Morehead City, North Carolina, celebrated its latest edition on Sunday. The festival, founded by John Greene and his wife, features a variety of chocolate-themed treats and activities, with all proceeds going to support over 20 local charities. The festival has donated over $700,000 back to the community since its inception.

Why it matters

The Carolina Chocolate Festival is a beloved community event that has endured for over two decades, demonstrating the power of grassroots initiatives to make a tangible difference. By harnessing the universal appeal of chocolate, the festival has become a fixture in the region, raising significant funds for local charitable causes.

The details

Attendees at the festival could indulge in an array of chocolate-infused delights, including chocolate-covered bacon, strawberries, and even chocolate-infused tea. The festival is organized by a nonprofit that is dedicated to giving back to the community, with 100% of admission proceeds benefiting over 20 local charities. Long-time vendors, such as American Dream Cakes, have been participating in the festival for over 13 years, underscoring its enduring appeal.

  • The Carolina Chocolate Festival takes place annually on the first weekend of February.
  • The 2026 edition of the festival was held on Sunday, February 9th.

The players

John Greene

The founder of the Carolina Chocolate Festival, whose dream and vision was to create a chocolate-themed event that would give back to the local community.

Judy Hailey

The festival director, who has overseen the event's growth and success over the past 23 years.

Gunilla Kroshus

The president of American Dream Cakes, a long-time vendor at the Carolina Chocolate Festival.

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What they’re saying

“He was told by a lot of people it would never succeed, nobody come to a chocolate festival, here we are 23 years later.”

— Judy Hailey, Festival Director (WITN)

“Who doesn't love chocolate, its great this organization that puts it on. For us to be able to be apart of this and give back to the community this way is fabulous.”

— Gunilla Kroshus, President, American Dream Cakes (WITN)

What’s next

The Carolina Chocolate Festival will continue its annual tradition, with the next edition scheduled for the first weekend of February 2027.

The takeaway

The enduring success of the Carolina Chocolate Festival demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives to make a lasting impact. By harnessing the universal appeal of chocolate and channeling the proceeds to support local charities, the festival has become a beloved tradition that brings people together and makes a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.