Brothers Quin and Ronin Kragh thoroughly enjoy the extra treats they dipped in the chocolate fountain. The Kent Chocolate Fest was held Feb. 11 2026, at Kent Center School. The event benefits Kent Center School’s scholarship fund. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
KENT, Conn. – No matter the weather, patrons flock annually one day each February to Kent Center School for one of the community’s favorite events — the Kent Chocolate Fest. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, chocolate enthusiasts from Kent and neighboring towns waited eagerly in line to sample a variety of chocolate goodies made by bakers and chefs. Patrons filled a plate with their favorite goodies — among them, cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and brownies — for $5, or paid for a prepackaged plate of baked goods. Proceeds benefit the school’s scholarship fund. The event was first held in 1996. In addition, a handful of nonprofit organizations were on hand to offer family-friendly activities and information.
Rose Prause of Rosie’s Kitchen chats with a customer as she stacks up boxes of cupcakes for them. Prause was born and raised in Kent and her two kids attend Kent Center School. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
Chocolate Fest co-chair Lee Sohl sports a smile as the annual event winds down around 4:30 p.m. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
Kent Chocolate Fest attendees, from left, Gabriel Besmer, John Donzella and Evelyn Donzella, examine the selection of desserts. Photo by Andrea SchoenyKent Center School Scholarship Fund board member Fran Goodsell confers with Jon LaFleur as he makes his way through the line at the annual event. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
Kent Land Trust staff members Gwynne Seufert, left, and Melissa Cherniske set up friendship bracelet making supplies for children visiting the KLT table during the festival. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
Kent Memorial Library’s children’s librarians Dorothy Shackleford, left, and Kate Zarin staff the library’s table at the Kent Chocolate Fest. Decorating her own Valentine’s card is first grader Dayton Barrett. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
Ed Epstein has long been a greeter to customers of the Kent Chocolate Fest, handling the pre-packaged plates of treats. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
Sarah Ford talks with Ivailo Agli about the programs and education Project SAGE offers to residents in the Region 1 area. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Project Sage was one of the community organizations at the event offering activities for children. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
Andrea Schoeny is a founding member of Kent News, Inc., the nonprofit publisher of The Kent Dispatch. She currently serves as the president of KNI and is proud to be a part of bringing trusted local journalism...
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