Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax County to take place in February

It's that time of year again. As January comes to a close and everyone gets revved up for the month of flowers and chocolate, Fairfax County gears up for its annual Chocolate Lovers Festival.

Image credit: Bianca Moraes on Flickr

Now in its 24th year, the Chocolate Lovers Festival takes place in Old Town Fairfax usually takes place the first weekend in February. This year's event will be held on Feb. 7 and Feb. 8. It looks to be a very family and kid-friendly event. I haven't been to this one yet as I just learned of it recently (I vaguely remember hearing about it when I first moved here, but it fell off my radar).

According to the official website, some events are free, others do have a fee.

Features of the weekend include:

• A free shuttle called "The Chocolate Express" will run visitors between event locations from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale (8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday) at Fire Station 3 4081 University Dr. $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-10 (a child under 3 is free with paying adult).

• Taste of Chocolate  Various chocolate items for sale from various vendors. Admission to this event is free, but to taste samples, you must purchase Pogs. Old Town Hall, 3999 University Dr.

• Chocolate Challenge and Silent Auction (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday). See local chocolate artisans at work and then join in the judging. Adults $1, children under 18 free. Nutrition Kitchen, 3950 University Dr. (please note there are no strollers allowed, but there is designated "stroller parking" )

• Chocolate and a Movie On Saturday night, between 7 and 9 p.m. the (what else?) classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory will be shown. There will also be a Golden Ticket winner who will win a mini iPad. Admission $5 per person (includes Golden Ticket)                                 

Some of the events are the same for both days (times may vary), but others are specially scheduled for either Saturday or Sunday. For a full list of events see the event page. Looks like there are a lot of cool educational things going on over this weekend too.