OCEAN CITY – Take a trip to the zoo, only this time indulge in chocolate along the way as this year’s “Death by Chocolate” event will uncover the mystery of where zoo animals have taken cover at local participating merchants.

The 6th Annual “Death by Chocolate” will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

CraZy LadyZ owners Jan Patterson-Hohman and Louise Reardon created the event to promote local businesses during the off season. CraZy LadyZ will be showcasing its new location during the event this year, which is next to Monkeys Trunk on westbound Route 50 in West Ocean City.

“The point of Death by Chocolate is to get out and about and visit your local merchants. Every merchant will have some level of chocolate for people to indulge in. Just by visiting the participating merchants it gives you a chance to win something out of 19 prizes. So it is a win-win for everybody,” Patterson-Hohman said. “You don’t have to buy anything, there is no pressure. It is just an opportunity to visit the local merchants, meet the owner, and see some of their new products.”

This year’s theme is “Going to the Zoo.” Contestants can pick up a game card at any of the participating merchants. All stores must be visited to uncover all of the animals that will lead to solving the word scrabble at the end. This year there are 19 participating merchants.

Once the game card is completed, it can be left at the player’s last stop or bring it to the post party at Sunset Grille no later than 6 p.m. Drawings will be held at 7 p.m.

Reservations are suggested for those who will attend the post party at Sunset Grille that evening, where there will be happy hour and dinner specials, as well 19 drawings for prizes provided by the participating merchants.

Prizes include a variety of gift certificates as well as services and merchandise provided by the merchants. There is over $2,000 worth of prizes to be given away.

Over the years, contestants have been coming from near and far to take part in the game. Last year, over 460 players arrived to participate and just as many are expected this year.

For more information, call CraZy LadyZ 410-213-2085.  

PLEASE BOX

Participating Businesses
(Prizes Available)
CraZy LadyZ
($50 gift certificate)

Monkeys Trunk
($50 gift certificate)

Paws & Claws
($25 gift certificate)

OC Organics
($40 gift certificate)

Hair Evolution
(Complimentary haircut and color)

Paddle House Outfitters
(free kayak rental for a day)

OC Chamber of Commerce
(bag of goodies)

Kendall Furniture
(Adirondack chair)

Bliss Salon & Spa
($50 gift certificate)

OC Floor Gallery
($250 gift certificate)

Buddahs & Beads
($50 gift certificate)

A Perfect Face
($140 gift certificate and products)

The Green Room
(Gift basket)

Wockenfuss
(Chocolate tower)

Park Place Jewelers
(Pandora Bracelet with charm)

Blue Moon Boutique
($25 gift certificate)

Treasures by the Sea
(Glass collectible)

Marlin Market
(Chocolate wines)

Snapdragon
($50 gift certificate)

Sunset Grille
($25 gift certificate)