Bourbonnais, IL – The annual sold-out Chocolate Tour made its way through Bourbonnais, Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For the second consecutive year, the winter event was held at the Bishop McNamara Bourbonnais Site, while construction continues on the village’s Community Campus. Cohosted by the Village of Bourbonnais and Bourbonnais Township Park District, in conjunction with title sponsor Sweet Street, 350 participants explored Bourbonnais businesses while indulging in sweet treats and more at each stop. Those who visited all 40 locations were eligible to win the grand prize, courtesy of Andaul Jewelers, and a runner-up grand prize, courtesy of Bourbonnais Friendship Festival.
The Chocolate Tour Committee confirms 2024 net proceeds totaled over $22,000, breaking the previous record of $19,291.94 in 2023. Completing its seventh year, Chocolate Tour grossed the highest overall revenue with the largest number of available tickets, an increase in event sponsorships, and a rise in raffle sales and event apparel sales, since its origination in 2017.
Chocolate Tour continues its commitment to benefiting the community by investing proceeds back into Bourbonnais. This year, funding supports the village’s new synthetic ice rink and funding for exhibit updates at Bourbonnais Township Park District’s Exploration Station. Previous proceeds supported the 1837 Log Schoolhouse restoration, Robert Latham Community Room renovations in the Bourbonnais Municipal Center, new equipment for the Event & Skate Plaza, facility improvements at the Children’s Safety Center and new programs for children and family-focused events at Perry Farm Park.
“Each year, I am more and more amazed with the community’s support of this annual sold-out event,” explained Bourbonnais Mayor, Paul Schore. “From Tour participants to Tour business stops, event volunteers and everything in between, Chocolate Tour is a wonderful and positive day in Bourbonnais. Even better, proceeds go right back into the community. It’s really an all-around win for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
“Chocolate Tour is a truly unique event that the park district is proud to host each year,” said Dave Zinanni, Board President.” “It is an opportunity to connect with local businesses and our park patrons and we look forward to it. This is such a positive community event that gives back to help us create an impact for years to come.”
Save-the-date for Chocolate Tour 2025, Saturday, February 1. Event information will be available this fall at villageofbourbonnais.com and btpd.org.
Village of Bourbonnais Media Contact:
Lindy Casey
Marketing & Public Engagement Manager
Village of Bourbonnais
600 Main Street, NW
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 937-3570
caseyl@villageofbourbonnais.com
Bourbonnais Township Park District Media
Contact:
Cherie Smolkovich
Community Outreach & Marketing Director
Bourbonnais Township Park District
459 N. Kennedy Dr.
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 933-9905
cheries@btpd.org
