It’s a chocolate lover’s dream: The Chocolate Expo. On Sunday, Jan. 29, at Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, more than 60 vendors — artisan chocolatiers, specialty food producers, old-fashioned candy shops, bakeries, and more — will give out samples of chocolate. Fountains of milk, white, and dark chocolate add to the experience. The icing on the cake is also booths with cheeses, savory snacks, and craft beverages. The Chocolate Expo has been a New York event for years. “I’ve always wanted to bring The Chocolate Expo to the Boston area. Now that dream is becoming a reality,” says Marvin Baum of the Baum Image Group, which organizes chocolate expos in several cities showcasing smaller confectioners rather than large candy companies. He created the first in 2006. Be prepared for entertainment, chef demonstrations, as well as children’s activities. While you may not recognize him, Paris Themmen, who played the 9-year-old boy Mike Teavee in the first version of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,” will be there to meet attendees. There might also be a surprise guest, Baum says. But it’s unlikely you’ll find singing Oompa‐Loompas or the Golden Ticket. “With everything that happens at The Chocolate Expo., we like to refer to this event as ‘The Official Home of Chocolate, Food & Fun,’” says Baum. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington. For more information and to buy tickets, visit thechocolateexpo.com.
ANN TRIEGER KURLAND
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Ann Trieger Kurland can be reached at anntrieger@gmail.com.