Chocolate Extravaganza hits Chelsea this weekend

I'm excited that one of my first "big" events happening in Chelsea since taking over as editor for the Chelsea Standard is something called The Chocolate Extravaganza. Anyone who knows me, knows I love sweets -- from cookies to chocolate and ice cream. It's not the best vice to have, but it's also not the worst.
Anyway, it seems like there is going to be a lot going on downtown on Saturday. Roughly 36 businesses are going to have some sort of chocolate-related activity. It's the perfect venue for young and old alike to enjoy something fun for Valentine's weekend, especially if you have to work.
Here is a just a sampling of what will take place:
At Aberdeen Bike and Fitness, samples of brownies and a sale on outdoor clothing, bikes and accessories will take place.

Bumbles Dry Goods will offer samples of rabbit-shaped chocolate cookies and a free silver heart with a $10 purchase.

The Chelsea Center for the Arts is offering chocolate treats and workshops from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Participants can create a Valentine’s Day card for $17. From 1 to 3 p.m. participants can make a coiled wire heart. The fee is $30.

The Chelsea District Library will have samples of local chocolate treats and books on chocolate available to read.

Chelsea First Methodist Church will host a free bacon and eggs breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. complete with chocolate muffins.

The New Chelsea Market will have samples of Zingerman’s candy bars from 10 a.m. to noon, Backyard gourmet chocolates and caramels from noon to 3 p.m. and heart-shaped chips and salsa from 3 to 5 p.m.

Chelsea Village Hardware will have samples of chocolate molded tools. Customers can look for items that have a red heart attached to them for a sale price.

Chelsea Woodworking will celebrate its four-year anniversary with free cake and treats, free gifts with purchase and storewide discounts on select items.

Cherry Optometry will offer chocolate covered cherries and a raffle for a pair of Polaroid sunglasses.

The Chelsea Teddy Bear Company will offer chocolate treats and T-shirt design for bears ($6). A 25 to 50 percent off sale on chocolate-named bears will also take place.

Cleary’s Pub will offer samples of hot chocolate.

Comfort Inn of Chelsea is offering room rate specials with chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of wine with a Jacuzzi room.

The Common Grill is offering free brownie bites at the back door. The menu will feature chocolate martinis and desserts.

Dayspring Gifts will offer samples of Gilbert’s chocolates; free potted violets with a $20 purchase, or $3.99 each.

The Garden Mill will host “make your own chocolate treats.” Participants can celebrate the Year of the Tiger with a free “lucky” chocolate coin and a sale on selected items.

Gemini Salon and Day Spa will a chocolate fountain and a paraffin hand wax treatment, free carnations, a raffle and chair massages.

Gigi’s Flowers will also offer a chocolate fountain and treats.

Gourmet Chocolate Café will have dozens of handmade chocolate treats to taste and 10 percent off of purchases.

Heydlauffs will offer samples of Jiffy Mix chocolate muffins baked fresh in a Heydlauff appliance.

La Jolla Fine Jewelry will offer samples of gourmet chocolates, cookies and sparkling cider.

Merkel’s Furniture & Carpet One is offering samples of homemade brownies and coffee.

Mike’s Deli is offering a free homemade chocolate treat with a meal purchase.