This year's “Month of Chocolate" will feature events such as a Chocolate Prom, Cocoa Couture fashion show and Chocolate Bingo throughout February around Bloomington.
Since 1997, Bloomington has been home to an annual celebration of chocolate. LIFEDesigns, a non-profit organization that offers programs and resources for people with disabilities in Southern Indiana, is organizing the event and partnering with an assortment of local businesses. A portion of the profits will go to LIFEDesigns.
“The events that support LIFEDesigns would then go back to us as unrestricted funds,” said Stephanie Shelton, director of development at the LIFEDesigns. “That’s good because that means we can use it where the need is greatest.
Here’s a list of the events:
Feb. 7 "We Paint... the Sweet Life," a free art exhibit consisting of chocolate-themed depictions.
Feb. 8 a rock n roll dance party with live music will take place at Mike’s Dance Barn in Nashville, Indiana.
Feb. 13 "For the Love of Chocolate" - Bell Trace Senior Living Center will organize a chocolate and wine-tasting event.
Feb. 14 a Valentine’s Day prom will be held at the Harmony school for all ages.
Feb. 15 the 21+ event, “After Dark: Chocolate,” will take place at the WonderLab Museum.
Feb. 17 at Chocolate Bingo attendees can win cash prizes at the Bloomington Moose Lodge.
Feb. 22 the Mardi Gras themed chocolate tasting gala will offer guest desserts and dinner at Woolery Mill.
Feb. 28 the “Cocoa Couture Fashion Show” will be held by Down Syndrome Family Connection.
Participants in festival events will have the opportunity to win free Bloomington Chocolate Company truffles. After attending a “Month of Chocolate” event or ordering a featured menu item, guests receive a stamp in their chocolate passport. After they get three stamps, four truffles are awarded. Five stamps earn nine truffles.
A 2020 Chocolate Recipe Book and T-shirts can be purchased at each of the themed events for $15. The depictions of chocolate creations used for the recipe book and shirts will be illustrated by the Bloomington Watercolor Society. Jo Weddle of the BWS was the winner of the festival’s T-shirt design contest.
A full events list and admission prices can be found at LIFEDesigns' website.
