The Festival of Chocolate and More is a unique event combining lots of chocolate and other pleasurable and informative activities.
The chocolate experience itself includes plenty of samples of chocolate, chocolate desserts, chocolate fondue, hot cocoa, and samples from the chocolate cook off available during the auction of entries.
We are fortunate to have Zorba Paster, MD, public radio host of nationally syndicated Zorba Paster On Your Health. He will be speaking to us on How to Live a Long Sweet Life with an emphasis of the importance of a daily chocolate fix. (Yes, there actually are health benefits!) Tickets to see Zorba are free. As seats are limited, we recommend reserving your seat by registering early for the festival. Other free programs available throughout the day are: Body Image and the Media, Maintaining Healthy Skin, Avoiding Fitness Plateaus, Growing Up Green and Living in Harmony.
Included in the festival is a chocolate cook off. Categories include: chocolate cakes, chocolate pies and cheesecakes, healthier remakes, and brownies/bars. First, second and third place entries are awarded cash prizes $75, $50, and $25 respectively. There is no entry fee for the cook off. Instead, cook off entrants are asked to prepare 2 identical entries for each category they chose to enter. Once the judging has occurred, all entries will be auctioned off. One entry will be used for samples during the auction. The other entry goes to the highest bidder. Three entries selected as Judges Choice will be auctioned during the Claudia Schmidt concert, the evening of the festival. If you are interested in entering the contest click here or contact Shelly Platten at splatten@wi-net.com or 715-824-5156 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 715-824-5156 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
An art and craft fair is also part of the festival and is included in the admission fee. Local artists, vendors, bakers, and candy makers will have a great selection of wonderful gifts to certainly please those on your Christmas list. Check out the artists and crafters participating in the festival.
The mini-fitness adventures include, yoga, gentle yoga, pilates, belly dancing, Zumba, BodyVibe and personal training. These short 20 minute introductory classes are designed to allow festival goers to investigate these activities at no charge. All leaders are certified and are available to answer questions. Investigate the activities and fitness adventure leaders participating in the festival.
Other activities at the festival include chair massage and Thai massage for $1 per minute, a silent auction, non chocolate food vendors for lunch choices, and a hot cocoa and coffee bar.
Admission to the festival is $10 with preregistration or $12 at the door. Admission fee includes 5 tickets. Tickets can be used for chocolate samples, hot cocoa or coffee, chocolate fondue, and for samples during the auction. Additional tickets for more samples are available for $1 each. Admission includes entrance to the art and craft show, mini-fitness adventures, and theater programs. These activities do not require tickets. Seats for Zorba Paster are free but need to be reserved when you register. To ensure a seat in Zorba? program, we highly recommend early registration.
