Montrose Chocolate & Wine Fest celebrates 12 years

Over the past 12 years, the Montrose Chocolate & Wine Festival has given back about $300,000 to local organizations and programs, Ed Luecke told the crowd as the annual festival drew to a close Saturday evening.

Luecke introduced one of the festival’s original founders and this year’s event chair Tom Follert who thanked the audience, as well as the committee responsible for planning and staging the annual event.

Follert, in turn, introduced Bill Jones, President and CEO of United Way of Wyoming Valley, United Way of Susquehanna County and the Berwick Area United Way.

It was announced last week that the Chocolate & Wine Festival organizers will transition the event coordination to the United Way of Susquehanna County.

In a release issued last week, Follert said, “I am excited to hand off this event to an organization that will continue to give back to non-profits within the county, and will promote education and overall well-being for children and their families here in Susquehanna County.”

The United Way of Susquehanna County, is focused on a mission of helping children, families, and the entire regional community, and finds the event to be a perfect fit.

This year, festival-goers were welcomed by a sunny sky and warm temperatures as they tasted samplings from regional wineries, sampled some gourmet baked goods, chocolates and cheeses, visited vendors and feasted on festival foods.

Performers on the main stage included Alex Creamer, Maddy Walsh and the Blind Spots, and the Nate Gross Band.