Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates plans 60th anniversary celebration in Lebanon

Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates will mark 60 years in business with a public celebration Oct. 10 at its Lebanon, Indiana shop. The event will include chocolate samples, live music, family activities, a food truck and a 10% discount on chocolates purchased that day.

Why it matters: - Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates is turning a local milestone into a community event with free admission, family activities and a charity tie-in. - The celebration highlights the longevity of a second-generation family business that has been part of Lebanon for decades.

What happened: - Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates will host its 60th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - The event will take place at the chocolate shop at 600 S. State Road 39 in Lebanon, Indiana, at the intersection of I-65 and State Road 39. - Admission will be free, and the event will be open to the public and media. - The anniversary theme is “Sixty Years of Sweetness.”

The details: - Customers who buy chocolates and take them home during the celebration will receive a 10% discount. - Planned activities include chocolate sampling, raffle drawings, kids’ activities, entertainment and live music. - Local magician Marc Lehmann will provide entertainment. - Pavel and Direct Contact will perform live music. - Scott Diggity Dogs food truck will be on site. - Visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs. - Bob and Kathy Donaldson are scheduled to give a brief presentation at 3 p.m. - The event will also offer opportunities to support the Boys and Girls Club of Boone County. - The store is located at Exit 139 off I-65.

Between the lines: - The celebration doubles as a brand reminder for a business that says it still makes chocolates the old-fashioned way. - The anniversary underscores the business’s family ownership and its long operating history in the Lebanon area. - Bob and Kathy Donaldson said the company has served tens of thousands of customers over 60 years and continues to use fine ingredients and “a lot of Hoosier pride.”

What happened before: - George and Peg Donaldson bought the business from Charles and Eva Callane in October 1966. - The shop originally operated in a two-room schoolhouse about a mile north of Lebanon. - The Donaldsons moved the shop to its current location in 1973.

What’s next: - More information is available in the anniversary media kit. - Bob or Kathy Donaldson can be reached at 765-482-3334 for event questions. - The owners’ presentation at 3 p.m. is the main scheduled speaking moment during the event.

The bottom line: - Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates is marking six decades in business with a public, family-friendly celebration that blends discounts, entertainment and community support.