PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 10, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- A perfect treat to sweeten up your winter: The Eleventh Annual Chocolate Festival will take place on Saturday, February 4, and Sunday, February 5, 2006, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.
The sweet smell of chocolate will fill the air as candy connoisseurs from all over the Philadelphia area can participate in this one-of-a-kind event. The Chocolate Festival will offer unique chocolate cooking demonstrations each day and highlight area Chocolate vendors. Millenni Yumm Chocolates and Praiseworthy Creations will exhibit their gift baskets and various chocolate-covered treats. On Saturday, February 4, Charlie Schmidt of Philadelphia OIC will conduct a Chocolate Cooking Demonstration at 2 p.m. Philadelphia OIC offers the premier training program for people pursuing careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.
On Sunday, February 5, at 2 p.m., Jemal Edwards of Brulee: The Dessert Experience will conduct Chocolate Cooking demonstrations. The Dessert Experience at Brulee is served in a classic 3-course French style that includes: Amuse Sucree (chef's daily sweet surprise), Entree (the main dessert selected from the menu), Petit Fours (the finale to your dessert experience). Brulee is open seven days a week from 6pm-11pm. Please visit www.BruleeDesserts.com.
Visitors will also have the chance to sample chocolate treats and participate in various Chocolate Challenges. From chocolate chip cookie-eating contests to cupcake stacking to guessing the chocolate-dipped delight, there will be "sweet" fun for the whole family. Of course, there will be free chocolate kisses and candies for everyone to enjoy.
Just in time for Valentine's Day, there will be chocolate kiss cards, where visitors can "paint" their lips with chocolate, kiss Valentine's cards, and write special messages to their loved ones. There will also be special edible chocolate make and take crafts like chocolate dipping spoons where participants can dip into various flavors such as mint, orange, vanilla and cherry. Free Valentine's-themed face painting, and a balloon artist will add to the excitement and offer something for everyone. WMGK will be on-hand with games and prizes on Saturday and B101 will continue the fun on Sunday. Reels at the Rink continues this weekend with screenings of a chocolate-themed favorite on the large video wall inside the heated facility. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be shown both days of the festival.
Chocolate Festival activities are free to the public. Weekend skating sessions cost $6.00 per person (skate rental is $3.00) and are available during the Chocolate Festival from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Public Skating Sessions are as follows: Mondays through Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Fridays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Skate to a live DJ every Friday and Saturday Night from 9p.m. to 12 midnight with a late-night skating session from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other sponsors include: Lukoil, NBC 10 and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The Blue Cross RiverRink has moved south this season to a new location, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. For more information on the CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, skating times, lessons, birthday parties or private sessions, please call (215) 925-RINK, or visit www.riverrink.com.
The Blue Cross RiverRink logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354