Chocolate Fest 2014 Sweetens the Deal in Homewood Saturday

If you're known to have a bit of a sweet-tooth, you might want to lay off the sugary stuff for a bit—so you can fully indulge come Feb. 15.

The Village of Homewood proudly presents the 12th Annual Chocolate Fest Saturday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the H-F Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Rd. 

The day features live music, baking demonstrations, children's activities, vendor booths and a variety of sweets, desserts and gourmet baked goods. 

Amateur bakers can show off their sweets with the Chocolate Bake-Off Contest, to name “Home Sweet Homewood’s Master Pastry Chef”. Admission to the 12th Annual Homewood Chocolate Fest is free and open to the public.  

“This festival is a great way to get out and see neighbors and sample delicious treats in the middle of the winter,” said Village Marketing Manager Rachael Jones. “...Homewood has been a destination for dessert for over 50 years, and our Chocolate Fest and Bake Off is a great showcase for the creative and talented cooks who live in the area.” 

Mitchell's Candies and Ice Cream will be highlighted as they relaunch as Chicagoland's premier confectioner and supplier of all ice cream for Ed Debevics, Eduardo's and Gino East Pizza. The area's favorite sweet shop of 40 years will also unveil their new look. Owner Jeffrey Himmel recently decided to ditch cream-colored walls, instead splashing the walls with electric pink. Mitchell's will also introduce new party packages during the fest.

Fest attendees will be treated to several baking demonstrations including introductions to The Cottage on Dixie's premier pastry chef. During the bake-off, a panel of lucky judges will sample each entry and select three winners. Once the winners are recognized, the public samples each entry in exchange for a small donation to benefit a local not-for-profit.

• What: Homewood's 12th Annual Chocolate Fest
• Where: H-F Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Rd.
• When: Saturday, February 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m