Fairfax County readies for its Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival

It's that time of year again. As January and it's late-month whopping snow storm comes to a close, it's time to get revved up for the month of flowers and chocolate. As customary, Fairfax County gets ready for its annual Chocolate Lovers Festival. 

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For more than 20 years, Fairfax County has celebrated chocolate with this festival, which takes place in Old Town Fairfax. This year's event will be held on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7. It looks to be a very family and kid-friendly event. I haven't been to this one yet as I just realized last year it was an annual event that typically takes place the first week in February.

According to the official website, some events are free, others do have a fee. Features of the weekend include the popular Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Bake Sale and Face Painting. This event is scheduled to be at Fire Station #3 4081 University Drive. (Cost is $8 per adult and $4 for children ages 4-10. Kids age 3 and younger are free). 

The annual Taste of Chocolate event will be on both Saturday and Sunday at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive. Various chocolate items will be for sale from more than 15 vendors. Admission to this event is free, but to taste samples, you must purchase Pogs at $1 each, which can be traded for merchandise.

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On Saturday and Sunday the perennial Chocolate Challenge and Silent Auction takes place. See local chocolate artisans at work and then watch the celebrity judges make their decisions. Cast your own vote too. Adults $1, children under 18 free. Nutrition Kitchen, 3950 University Dr. (Note there are no strollers allowed, but there is designated "stroller parking"). 

Chocolate and a Movie takes place on Saturday night, between 7 and 9 p.m. the (what else?) classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (the original starring Gene Wilder) will be shown. There will also be a Golden Ticket winner who will win a mini iPad. Admission $5 per person and includes a Golden Ticket. To attend the movie, pre-registration is required by February 4.       

                         

Other events include puppet shows, construct a cupcake and even a mock trial, “The Chocolate Caper Mock Trial" will take place. For a full list of events see the festival's event page. Looks like there are a lot of cool educational and history-related events going on over this weekend too. 

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