DISCOVER THE ORIGINS OF CHOCOLATE & CANDY AT GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY’S 9TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE FEST
Release Date: 01/16/08
Few people realize that most candy originates from plants found in nature from around the world such as the cacao tree which makes chocolate and carnauba palm which is used to make gummi bears.
Each year the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., celebrates the origins of candy, more specifically, chocolate with an educational Chocolate Festival Saturday, Feb. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 10 from 11a.m. to 4p.m.
This year’s celebration is made even more special as the Conservatory celebrates its 100thbirthdaywith year-long events, themed “CHICAGOASIS: The Greenest Show on Earth.”
So many fruiting trees and plants produce the necessary ingredients in our favorite candies. Learn about the process at the two-day candy extravaganza in its ninth year. There is a suggested donation of $1 for entry.
"The Chicago Park District once again appreciates the opportunity to work closely with the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance to produce an event for the community that educates and entertains," said Timothy J. Mitchell, the general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. “The Annual Chocolate Fest gives Chicagoans the chance to learn about the plant origins of chocolate and candy.”
Visitors will learn where candy and chocolate come from with exhibits that highlight the candy evolution process. The weekend will include interactive education stations children’s activities, and opportunities to purchase chocolate directly from some of Chicago’s favorite candy companies just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Here are some activities that will take place at this year’s Chocolate Festival:
Candy Confection Sales– Here is your chance to get a head start on the Valentine’s Day holiday by stocking up on your chocolates or candy. Participants will include Godiva Chocolate, Whole Foods and Fanny Mae.
- Candy Education Stations– Come visit this hands-on education site to find out the surprising answer to the age-old question- “does candy grow on trees?” Friendly volunteers will be on site to help trace the candy bar back to its plant roots.Throughout the Conservatory, visitors will also encounter stations that tell the candy story. Locate each of these stations throughout the conservatory and learn up close and personal how more than a dozen treats like Gummi Bears, coconut, hot cinnamon candies, and orange slices are made from many kinds of trees and plants.
- Kids Valentine Card Making– All are invited to enjoy the yearly Chocolate Fest tradition of making your favorite people a special token of love. Paper hearts, doilies, crayons, and more will be provided free of charge. Come explore your creative caring side!
- Live Demonstrations – Watch as some local pastry talents, such as CakeWalk Chicago, whip up delicious delicacies before your eyes. Enjoy a taste and free recipes.
The Garfield Park Conservatory celebrates 100 years of innovation and botanical contributions to the city and its visitors with year-long events, activities, shows and programs in 2008, all themed “CHICAGOASIS: The Greenest Show on Earth.” Grab your party hats, and get ready to help us celebrate the Conservatory’s birthday April 18 – 20 during our Grand Centennial Opening. The celebration includes the unwrapping of a permanent new exhibit called “Sugar from the Sun,” on March 1 in the historic Sweet House, funded in part by a major grant from the National Science Foundation.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursdays until 8 p.m. Admission to the conservatory and parking is free.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529