Junee celebrates World Chocolate Day as four-day festival kicks off

It’s the sweetest time of the year in Junee, with the annual chocolate festival kicking off on World Chocolate Day on Thursday. Here’s a taste of what’s to come at the four-day event.

It’s the sweetest time of the year in Junee, with the annual Chocolate Festival kicking off on World Chocolate Day on Thursday.

The four-day festival will be celebrated across the town, including at the renowned Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory.

Factory manager Rhiannon Druce said chocolate wedges, tasting platters and an array of custom hot chocolates would be among the sweet treats on offer for chocoholics, from near and far.

Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory general manager Rhiannon Druce with a happy customer.

“(World Chocolate Day) is one of our bigger days of the year, and it’s a time to celebrate what we produce and it’s nice for people to get on a sugar high and enjoy the day,” Ms Druce said.

“Who doesn’t love chocolate? It is everyone’s favourite sweet treat.

“Junee is getting around the concept of World Chocolate Day and we are celebrating what makes our town great, which is our chocolate, trains and music.”

The factory will also served up a range of hot chocolates which will sure keep you warm this winter. Picture: Patrick Morrow

The factory will have a lot to offer including chocolate loaded sweet potato wedges. Picture: Supplied

The factory will be pumping out its best fare until Sunday for the festival, with chocolate caramel licorice and hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey’s for the adults some of the must-tries.

“We are offering a load of sugary goodness around town but also will put our chocolates in local business menus as well which is great,” Ms Druce said.

The factory offers a range of chocolate and licorice treats. Picture: Patrick Morrow

The combination of school holidays and World Chocolate Day was a bonus for young customers, such as 11-year-old Josh Flagg.

“It’s pretty exciting, there’s lots of chocolate to eat which is great,” Josh said. “I love chocolate, it is really yummy.”

Young customers (from left to right) Matthew, 9; Anna, 6 and Josh Flagg, 11. Picture: Patrick Morrow

Junee chocolate makers hard at work in the factory. Picture: Patrick Morrow

Wagga’s Aileen and Henry Speerin brought their granddaughters in Grace and Keira O’Grady to join in the fun and festivities.

“We came here to make a freckle and enjoy the fun of the making process,” Mrs Speerin said.

Granddaughter Grace added: “The taste of chocolate is what makes it so great to eat”.

Wagga’s Grace and Keira O’Grady making homemade chocolate freckles. Picture: Supplied

The festival will also serve up some great music on the side, with the entertainment kicking off on Thursday with acoustic guitar artist Jakob Wesley playing at the factory - a local performer from Wagga who has already hit the world stage.

The musician has been busking and performing in Belgium and Netherlands, but is excited to be back and giving the local scene a crack.

“Producing music in Europe and especially in Belgium, I have come back here playing today it is great to provide some atmosphere for the factory,” Mr Wesley said.

“It is a great venue to play at and great to see all the families out and about makes it a fun event for all and makes for an enjoyable day out.”

Wagga muso Jakob Weasley was on hand to pump out the tunes at the factory. Picture: Patrick Morrow

The muso is also a big lover of chocolate.

“I don’t think there is a song that can sum up chocolate but I think everyone really enjoys it as it creates the excitement and fun that we all need,” he said.

The festival runs from Thursday to Sunday and is held at the Junee chocolate factory on Lord St and in surrounding streets.