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Sweet times in Oakdale

Bee Staff Reports
Jade Fleming, 10, of Oakdale reacts as her brother Troy, 8, tries to fill a cup with chocolate syrup during a game on the Chocolate Challenge Stage at the Oakdale Chocolate Festival in Oakdale, Calif., on Saturday, May 16, 2015.
Jade Fleming, 10, of Oakdale reacts as her brother Troy, 8, tries to fill a cup with chocolate syrup during a game on the Chocolate Challenge Stage at the Oakdale Chocolate Festival in Oakdale, Calif., on Saturday, May 16, 2015. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com

Oakdale may be the cowboy capital of the world, but for one weekend in May each year, it becomes the center for all things chocolate.

If you missed the ooey-gooey, velvety fun Saturday, fear not: The 23rd Oakdale Chocolate Festival continues Sunday.

Hundreds turned out Saturday for the annual homage to chocolate, featuring more than 200 vendors, arts and crafts, the traditional Chocolate Avenue, food, fun runs, kids activities, entertainment and more.

The confections include fudges, truffles, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cheesecake and lots of other foods dipped in chocolate.

The festival dates back to when Hershey was a major employer in the city. After the plant’s departure, the chocolate fest was kept alive and the event is sponsored now by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce.

Visit the festival Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wood Park, Highways 120 and 108, in Oakdale. Tickets are $6, $5 for seniors and free for ages 12 and under. Take a canned food item to the gate for $1 off admission.

This story was originally published May 16, 2015 at 7:03 PM with the headline "Sweet times in Oakdale."

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