Lily Mae Hamilton, 5, happily dips a treat into the chocolate fountain while mom Lora Ann and brother Jack, 1, watch. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
When it comes to chocolate, the City of Fairfax does it up right. Featuring everything from cakes to cookies, cupcakes, candy, ice cream and fudge, its 24th annual Chocolate Lovers Festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 7, from noon-4 p.m.
“After a tough snowstorm, nothing will put a smile on the faces of children and adults alike than chocolate,” said Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne. “The City's annual Chocolate Lovers Festival has become a must-attend event and was recognized last year as one of the best food festivals in Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine. If you're looking for fun, great food and a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day early, the City of Fairfax is the place to be.”
One of the highlights is the Taste of Chocolate, where attendees purchase samples of a multitude of mouthwatering, chocolate treats from two floors full of vendors in Old Town Hall. Another is the Chocolate Challenge in which both professionals and home cooks compete to see who can make the most beautiful and creative chocolate sculptures, cakes and cupcakes.
There is even a chocolate-themed movie, plus chocolate-chip pancakes at the fire station and a slew of fun-filled activities for both children and adults, all day long. And the first event actually begins a week in advance. It is the Sweet History Walking Tour, this Saturday, Jan. 30, from 4:30-6 p.m., in Old Town Fairfax’s Historic District.
It starts at the Ratcliffe Allison House, 10209 Main St., and includes Old Town Hall, Historic Fairfax County Courthouse and the Ford House and ends at De Clieu Coffee with complimentary hot chocolate. Cost is $10/person and participants should bring flashlights. With one paying adult, one child 5 and under is free. Pre-registration is required; go to www.chocolatefestival.net; click on “Schedule of Events” and then “Sweet History Walking Tour.”
Then on Feb. 6-7 will be a full slate of activities including face-painting, musical performances, fairytales, a fire-safety puppet show, a Chocolate Caper mock trial, cupcake-decorating, magic, juggling and open houses in historic buildings. All venues are handicap-accessible, and the Chocolate Express will provide free, shuttle service between event locations. It will run Feb. 6, from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Feb. 7, from 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pancakes, Taste of Chocolate
The fun kicks off Saturday, Feb. 6, at Fire Station 3, at 4081 University Drive, with the annual, Kiwanis Club of Fairfax Pancake Breakfast. From 8 a.m.-1 p.m., enjoy regular or chocolate-chip pancakes, plus sausage, coffee, juice and milk. Cost is $8, adults; $4, children ages 4-10. Children 3 and under eat free with a paying adult (limit two children per adult). Face painting will be available for $2/child.
The festival’s centerpiece, the Taste of Chocolate, will be held Feb. 6, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Feb. 7, from noon-4 p.m., in Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive (corner of Main Street and University Drive). Strollers may be left on the building’s front porch; a fully accessible entrance is at the door on Main Street.
Admission is free; visitors buy pogs for $1 each and then browse the vendors’ tables to see the wide array of chocolate treats being offered. They pay for their treats in pogs and may buy as many pogs as they want from roaming volunteers in red aprons.
The variety of goodies is a chocolate lover’s dream-come-true. There are chocolate candies, bars, cakes and fudge, chocolate-covered strawberries and ice cream. And one of the biggest hits each year are the chocolate fountains into which customers may dip fruit, cream-filled doughnut holes or marshmallows.
This year’s vendors include: C & D Sweets, CakeLove, Cakes by Shelby, Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates, Capitol Chocolate Fountains; Chocotenago, Confection Connection, Dave’s Candy Kitchen, El Ceibo Chocolate, Fair Trade Winds, Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, Le Papiyon Chocolatier, Mike’s Fudge, Sugar Mama’s Ice Cream, The Capital Candy Jar, The Chocolatier’s Palette, Virginia Chocolate Co. and Xtreme Ice Cream.
Chocolate Challenge
The Chocolate Challenge is a display of creative, whimsical and imaginative chocolate cakes, cupcakes and sculptures. It takes place at the Nutrition Kitchen, 3950 University Drive, and runs Feb. 6, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Feb. 7, from noon-4 p.m. Admission is $1/adult; children under 18 are free. A designated stroller-parking area is outside the building.
Both professionals and amateurs participate, and judges and visitors judge them in various categories. Visitors may use their admission ticket to vote for the People’s Choice Award winner and also participate in the silent action of challenge entries, plus items from local businesses. Donated cakes and other items will be open for silent-auction bidding through Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m. To enter the Chocolate Challenge, go to www.chocolatefestival.net and click on “applications” by Feb. 3.
Grant Recipients
Each year, the Chocolate Lovers Festival Committee donates part of the proceeds raised during the festival to charity. This year’s four grant recipients are:
- City of Fairfax Police Cops & Kids Day: It is focused on building stronger relationships between members of the police department and families within the community. Children and parents watch demonstrations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division, Emergency Services Team, K9 Unit, Bike Patrol Unit, and Animal Control Officers.
- City of Fairfax Police Kids Safety Saturday: It is a fun-filled afternoon involving lessons in pedestrian, skateboard and beginner driver-safety awareness for children and parents. Bicycle-cone safety courses led by certified, mountain-bike officers are available, as are bike-safety inspections and minor equipment adjustments.
- Fairfax Lions Club: It has provided services to local people in need, especially those with impaired vision. A recent vision screening at a City of Fairfax school discovered school children with reduced vision, but their parents can’t afford corrective glasses for them. So the Lions are helping out.
- Pets Bring Joy: Its mission is to provide help and hope to small, grassroots, animal rescuers in Fairfax County and the surrounding area by finding loving, permanent homes for previously at-risk homeless animals in their care. And PBJ’s Fuzzies for Seniors program sponsors placement of companion animals with senior citizens.
Meals for Young Minds
The Chocolate Lovers Festival Committee is again supporting the Fairfax Kiwanis Meals for Young Minds Program with multiple, food drop-off locations during the festival. This program provides meals to local, elementary-school students who do not have food to eat on the weekends.
Each child receives a gallon-size bag filled with child-friendly, nonperishable, nutritious food items to last over the weekend. Since its inception in 2010, the program has expanded to support students at three local elementary schools.
Each bag contains two breakfasts: oatmeal, small cereal box, granola bars and other breakfast foods; two lunches: cheese and crackers, cup of soup and similar items; two dinners: easy-cook macaroni and cheese, beef ravioli, tuna and similar foods; plus two or three snacks: applesauce, pudding, fruit cup, fruit roll-ups and other snacks.
These and similar child-friendly, nonperishable food items will be collected as follows:
Saturday, Feb. 6:
8 a.m.-1 p.m. - Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive (during the Pancake Breakfast)
9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St.;
10 a.m.-3 p.m. - Historic Fairfax Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nutrition Kitchen, 3950 University Drive
10 a.m.-5 p.m. - City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St.
Sunday, Feb. 7:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center; noon-4 p.m. - Nutrition Kitchen
noon-4 p.m., City of Fairfax Regional Library
Chocolate Festival Event Schedule
Saturday, Feb. 6
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive
Join the Kiwanis Club of Fairfax for its Chocolate Lovers Pancake Breakfast. The menu features pancakes (regular and chocolate chip) and sausage. Coffee, juice and milk also will be served.
Face Painting with Sparkle Faces
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library 10360 North St.
For all ages, professionally painted on face or arm.
Taste of Chocolate
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive
Chocolate Challenge and Silent Auction
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nutrition Kitchen, 3950 University Drive
Child Fingerprinting
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Fairfax Court House, 4000 Chain Bridge Road
The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office will offer fingerprinting for children.
Harley Eye Candy Photos
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library front porch, 10360 North St.
Sit on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, courtesy of the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and take photos. (Weather permitting).
The Chocolate Caper Mock Trial
Noon
Historic Fairfax Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road
The Fairfax Bar Association will hold a mock trial based on a children's fairytale to explain the justice system to children and adults.
Fire Safety Puppet Show
12:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St.
Enjoy the City of Fairfax Fire Department’s singing puppets as they teach children important fire-safety lessons.
So You Think You're Smarter Than a Lawyer?
1 p.m.
Historic Fairfax Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road
Play a legal game against a lawyer.
Chocolate-Dipped Tales
2 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St.
Kaydee Puppets present a show for children.
The Chocolate Caper Mock Trial
2:30 p.m.
Historic Fairfax Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road
The Fairfax Bar Association will hold a mock trial based on a children's fairytale to explain the justice system to children and adults.
Be Our Valentine: Music with Cody & BJ
3:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St.
Enjoy music with Cody & BJ! Co-sponsored by Friends of the City of Fairfax Regional Library.
Chocolate and a Movie – The original version of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” featuring Gene Wilder, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway. Attendees will receive a “golden” ticket; a drawing will be held at intermission and the winning ticket will receive a mini iPad. Popcorn and an ice-cream-sundae bar are included in the fun. Admission is $5/person.
Pre-registration is requested by Feb. 4. Only a limited amount of walk-ins will be allowed. For more information and registration, visit www.chocolatefestival.net and click on the Website in the “Chocolate and a Movie” section under the Events tab. Sponsored by 29 Diner and Twins Ace Hardware.
Sunday, Feb. 7
Taste of Chocolate
Noon-4 p.m.
Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive
Chocolate Challenge and Silent Auction
Noon-4 p.m.
Nutrition Kitchen, 3950 University Drive
Construct a Cupcake
Noon-4 p.m.
Twins Ace Hardware, 10310 Main St.
Complimentary cupcakes to decorate and eat; open to all ages.
Fire Safety Puppet Show
12:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St.
Enjoy the City of Fairfax Fire Department’s singing puppets as they teach children important fire-safety lessons.
“Chocolate-Covered Fairytales”
2 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St.
Award-winning storyteller Gary Lloyd tells classic fairytales with a chocolate twist.
Jonathan Austin - Magic & Juggling
3:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St.
Austin’s personality, hilarious sense of humor, timing and skill combine to provide a must-see show for children and adults.
Where to Park
Free parking is available at the following locations, with handicapped parking offered at all sites, except for Sager Avenue:
Bank of America, 10440 Main St. (accessible from Route 236 and North Street).
City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St. (accessible from Route 123/Chain Bridge Road and George Mason Boulevard).
City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St. (accessible from University Drive and Old Lee Highway).
East Street parking lot (accessible from Route 236/Main Street and East Street).
Fairfax County Courthouse Garage B, 4400 Chain Bridge Road (accessible from Page Avenue).
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St.
Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive.
Old Town Plaza, 3955 Chain Bridge Road (accessible from Route 123/Chain Bridge Road and University Drive).
Old Town Village (behind Pacer’s, 10427 North St.) Open at noon Saturday and all day Sunday; (accessible from University Drive).
Sager Avenue parking lot (accessible from Sager Avenue and University Drive).
Open Houses, Exhibits during Chocolate Festival
- Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This building was constructed in 1873 with bricks made at the Farr property across Main Street. The oldest brick, two-story, school building remaining in Fairfax cost just $2,750 to build. Stop in for chocolate treats while learning about the City’s colorful history; free admission.
- Historic Records and Archives, Historic Fairfax Court House, 4000 Chain Bridge Road , 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visit a historic display of legal documents, including: A page from the polling done around the country as citizens voted to secede from the Union; the “Civil War Rulebook” filled with graffiti from the soldiers stationed there; George Washington’s will; a church pew deed; and a court order written by George Mason in 1767 to settle a boundary dispute between Peter Smith and James Jennings.
- Ford House, 3977 Chain Bridge Road, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the childhood home of Antonia Ford, a Confederate spy during the American Civil War. She was imprisoned and fell in love with her Union jailer, whom she later married; their son built the Old Town Hall. Free admission.
- Legato School, Route 123/Chain Bridge Road, between Judicial Drive and Sager Avenue, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Learn about the noble heritage of America's favorite flavor and play some games at the one-room Legato School, the last of its kind in Fairfax County. It’s been restored and is furnished as it was in the 1870s. Now operated as a museum, Legato School is on the grounds of the historic Fairfax County Courthouse; free admission.
- Ratcliffe-Allison House, 10386 Main St., noon-4 p.m.
The oldest standing house in the City of Fairfax depicts the lives of everyday people in 19th-century Fairfax and will offer visitors chocolate treats. Built in 1812, it was once a cobbler shop. Kitty Pozer, a famed Fairfax gardener and writer, lived here until 1981; free admission.
Only the museum, Legato School and Ratcliffe-Allison House will be open to the public both days of the Chocolate Festival. The other venues will just receive visitors on Saturday, Feb. 6.