Leslie Herman is this year’s Chocolate Festival committee chairman, and she and her committee of more than a dozen people have been hard at work on the event since the fall.
They represent several of the organizations involved in the festival events, including the Fairfax Bar Association, Fairfax City Regional Library, Friends of Fairfax, GMU Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Independence Day Celebration Committee, Kiwanis Club of Fairfax, Fairfax County Retired Educators, Patriot Harley Owners Group, Woman’s Club of Fairfax and the City of Fairfax.
“There are many things I enjoy about being chairman,” said Herman. “I enjoy working with a great group of people who draw upon the volunteers from their organizations and resources to provide a fabulous chocolate event. It’s wonderful to rely on so many others to make the Chocolate Lovers Festival happen.”
“I also love the new and creative events the committee suggests to add to the festival to continue to keep it fresh and exciting,” she continued. “Last year we added Chocolate and a Movie, and this year we’ve added the Sweet History Walking Tour. And with the [completion] of Old Town Square, we’re excited to start brainstorming on what we can add new next year.”
Herman says the variety of chocolate activities for all ages that touch all five senses makes the Chocolate Lovers Festival so special. “Where else, within a few short blocks, can you tease and satisfy all your senses?” she asked. “You can taste chocolate delicacies at the Taste of Chocolate, view beautiful chocolate works of art at the Chocolate Challenge, watch ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,’ smell chocolate, smear chocolate syrup over your chocolate-chip pancakes and touch cupcakes while constructing their toppings.”
Besides all that, she said, attendees will be able to listen to Chocolate Dipped Puppet Tales, Chocolate Covered Fairy Tales and the Chocolate Caper Mock Trials. And, added Herman, “If walking to the venues isn’t to your liking, just hop on the Chocolate Express Shuttle.”
The Chocolate Lovers Festival will take place Feb. 7-8 in the City of Fairfax. For more information, visit http://www.chocolatefestival.net/.