February COLAGE Chicago Outing (Hosted by the Harris-Watkins family)
9th Annual Chocolate Festival
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008
Hours: 12 pm - 4 pm (COLAGE families should meet in front foyer promptly at noon. By 12:15, we will disperse and enjoy the conservatory in smaller groups.)
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60624-1945
RSVP: E-mail Keesha at just_keesha@yahoo.com
Contact Numbers: Keesha (773-826-6139) or Tina (773-398-2086)

Cost: Suggested donation of $1 for entry

Few people realize that most candy originates from plants found in nature from around the world such as the cacao tree which makes chocolate and carnauba palm which is used to make gummi bears.

Each year the Garfield Park Conservatory celebrates the origins of candy and chocolate with an educational Chocolate Festival Saturday, Feb. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 10 from 11a.m. to 4p.m.

New this year, the Garfield Park Conservatory will be uncovering the origins of all kinds of confections - so many fruiting trees and plants produce the necessary ingredients in our favorite candies. Learn about the process at the two-day candy extravaganza in its ninth year. There is a suggested donation of $1 for entry.

Visitors will learn where candy and chocolate come from with exhibits that highlight the candy evolution process. The weekend will include interactive education stations children’s activities, and opportunities to purchase chocolate directly from some of Chicago’s favorite candy companies.

Here are some activities that will take place at this year’s Chocolate Festival:

Candy Confection Sales – Here is your chance to get a head start on the Valentine’s Day holiday by stocking up on your chocolates or candy. Participants will include Godiva Chocolate and Fanny May.

Candy Education Stations – Locate each of these stations throughout the conservatory and learn up close and personal how more than a dozen treats like Gummi Bears, coconut, hot cinnamon candies, and orange slices are made from many kinds of trees and plants.

Kids Valentine Card Making – All are invited to enjoy the yearly Chocolate Fest tradition of making your favorite people a special token of love. Paper hearts, doilies, crayons, and more will be provided free of charge. Come explore your creative caring side!

Live Demonstrations – Watch as some local pastry talents, such as CakeWalk Chicago, whip up delicious delicacies before your eyes. Enjoy a taste and free recipes, or experience a massage and chocolate manicure.