The Chocolate Expo comes to Monroe on Oct. 22

MONROE — The Chocolate Expo, the nation’s largest chocolate event, will make its debut at Museum Village in Monroe on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., rain or shine, under a huge tent.
At The Chocolate Expo, attendees “will get to taste, purchase, celebrate and otherwise indulge in gourmet chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, craft sodas, wines, hard ciders, distilled spirits, beer” and more at more than 65 vendor booths, while touring Museum Village, which features vignettes of 19th Century American life using costumed guides, expo organizers said.
Hudson Valley becomes a culinary destinationThe expo is expected to draw thousands of “chocoholics” into the Monroe area for the day.
According to Marvin Baum, Chocolate Expo creator and producer, the Hudson Valley was chosen as an expo site because the region has become one of the greatest culinary destinations nationwide.
Chocolate-related demonstrations will be conducted at The Chocolate Expo by celebrity chefs Lawrence Rosenberg (Guy’s Grocery Games), Tony Albanese (Cake Boss Season 1) and Barret Beyer (Hell’s Kitchen Season 11).
Museum Village’s displays include a one-room school house, a log cabin, blacksmith shop, print shop, broom shop, candle shop, power house and one of only three complete mastodon skeletons worldwide.
“Not only does The Chocolate Expo provide a wonderful time for attendees, it also helps to showcase Museum Village, which is one of the Hudson Valley’s true gems,” said Michael Sosler, Museum Village executive director.
Chocolate-covered baconUnusual items range from Bacon Bites’ chocolate-covered bacon to chocolate beer from the Racing City Brewing Co. Aurora Gourmet will have flowing chocolate fountains, while Crazy Crepe Cafe will be making chocolate crepes.
Pika’s Farm Table will be serving authentic Belgian-style waffles dipped in a choice of white, dark or milk chocolate.
The Chocolate Expo will feature wine tastings and sales by Adirondack Winery, Americana Vineyards, Oliva Vineyards and Pazdar Winery, which was the first winery to make chocolate wines.
Lake George Distilling will have samples of its moonshine, bourbon and whiskey and while Yankee Folly Cidery of New Paltz will have hard cider tastings.
Musical guests include the Roddy Harrington Band and Pine Island’s Black Dirt Bandits, which opened earlier this year for the Charlie Daniels Band. .
The complete schedule of events is available at www.TheChocolateExpo.com.
Essential informationTickets can be purchased online for $15 per adult and $10 per child (ages 4 to 12). At the door, tickets are $20 per adult and $15 per child (age 4 to 12).
A special late day ticket is available online only for $10 per person for all ages after 3 p.m.
Tickets include regular admission to Museum Village.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.TheChocolateExpo.com.
- Nancy Kriz