MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (AP) — The 11th annual Carolina Chocolate Festival is starting two weeks early with a celebration of Mexican cocoa in Morehead City.

The Daily News of Jacksonville reported (http://bit.ly/Wca6JJ) the festival begins Saturday at the Morehead City Train Depot with a tribute to the country that is the birthplace of chocolate.

A Choco Brunch will be held at Beaufort Grocery Too in Morehead City on Jan. 27.

The official festival weekend starts Feb. 2 and includes a new event, the Chocolate 5K Run/Walk.

Chocolate vendors will offer a variety of samples including chocolate cakes, tortes, chocolate bars and ice cream during the main festival Feb. 2-3 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center.

So far, the event has raised $350,000 for several local charities.

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Online:

http://www.carolinachocolatefestival.com/