Norman North High School was choc full of people Saturday for the 27th annual Chocolate Festival, the biggest fundraiser for the Firehouse Art Center.

A day of heaven on earth, the Chocolate Festival was started 27 years ago by Dan Davis. At the time, five restaurants participated and over 600 people attended.The festival’s popularity since has only increased.

This year, over 3,000 chocoholics from Oklahoma and several other states came to taste the delicacies provided by about 40 contributing restaurants.

From dark chocolate to white chocolate, bars to brownies, and cookies to cake, no variety was left out.

The festival was held in the commons area of Norman North High School. Chocolate lovers waited in lines that extended out the door to join the bustling throng inside.

Upon arrival, tickets holders were presented with a Styrofoam takeout box, a napkin, a spork and a punch card. The card was good for 10 samples and had room to write down notes about the best chocolate. Some people in line were commentating that they didn’t feel like 10 samples would be enough. They would soon find that after a few samples, no one wanted anymore chocolate. People were leaving with boxes – a sweet surprise for later.

Each vendor had outrageous visuals to attract festivalgoers. It was a sight to behold. Kendall’s Restaurant from Noble, Okla had workers dressed as oompa loompas dishing out fresh hot chocolate cinnamon rolls. Three adorable girls dressed as the cinnamon rolls danced and sang to the crowd, while a fun-sized Willy Wonka strolled around.

Chili’s offered chocolate volcano cakes amongst an edible display of islands and surfers. Cocoflow supplied a giant chocolate fountain while Amy Cakes, Sugar and Fancy That Cafe all showcased gorgeous and intricate multi-tiered cakes covered in colored fondant.

Legend’s chocolate cake created a lengthy line of purveyors coveting a slice. La Baguette displayed a large Dalmatian puppy in front of giant chocolate flames to enthrall the people in the queue for cake and chocolate mice.

Other vendors offered a change of pace from the rest of the assortment. The Mont gave out small cups of their queso, and The Diner provided chocolate infused chili to those wanting something without copious amounts of sugar.

All of the proceeds went directly toward the Firehouse Art Center and its programs. Grants and donations from the Norman and Oklahoma Arts Councils, the City of Norman and many private donors support the Firehouse.