For the past 6 years, the NCO has been putting up a now well known event. An item used for centuries has a thing of healing or for pure enjoyment. To the many different kinds and versions, this is something that well deserves such a day. A delicious treat that has been passed down for generations, chocolate is finally getting its day. This years Naperville Chocolate Festival is being held to bring around the best in chocolate, to those who make it, and those who enjoy it.
The event encompasses many ideas and things to do. Families can enjoy entertainment throughout the day. Kids can also participate in cooking lessons meant for children. Adults can also watch demos from talented chocolate makers and artists. Vendors will also be attending to bring chocolate straight to attendee’s mouths. Such known names will be Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Fannie May, Whole Foods and Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge.
The NCO is an organization that has been helping families come together and become enriched with the relationships of their family members. They work cooperatively with the community to help those in need and give everyone the care they need to live a normal life. The NCO was first brought together in the year 1977 by concerned members in the Naperville community.
As for the fest itself, the event was a complete success. Stands were set up around the freshman campus for the event. The stands included well known companies such as Fannie Mae and Oberweis. Most stands offered free samples of each of their own variety of candies and chocolates. Each stand had its own flair and each had its own way of trying to make you interested in the product. Some would give away a good selection of samples, and some would even offer deals at the actual store. Each booth would have an employee of the store and were usually if not always very knowledgeable about the store.
The demos offered at the festival were very informative. They weren’t exactly step by step on how to do this and that, it was more of a tip giving demo. Some would range from just cooking with chocolate to baking cakes and even banquet work. Demos were even offered for kids. These demos offered a lot of simple tips for kids, ones that even a kid would understand, like baking cookies or staying safe in the kitchen. Family activities were also available. These were geared more towards fun, than the overall theme of cooking and chocolate.
Overall, this event seemed like a huge success to all who participated and of those who were there. The crowd filled the halls of the Freshman campus, and hopefully will continue to do so for those who continue to love chocolate.
By Tyler Piantanida, staff writer
