Press

ALBANY – Shoppers can sample chocolate treats, listen to holiday carolers and purchase hand-crafted gifts from more than 40 vendors at the New York State Museum’s fifth annual Chocolate Expo & Holiday Gift Market on Sunday, December 5.

The Expo, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will offer samples and sales of chocolates, desserts, wines and specialty foods. Vendors from New York State and New England will also sell a variety of hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, ornaments, handmade bath and skincare products, clothing, accessories and other hand-painted gift items.

There also will be two chocolate fountains stations, free to all visitors, compliments of Price Chopper, presenting sponsor, and We Do Fondue.

From 2 until 4 p.m., Will Hayes of Celestial Strings will perform in Metropolis Hall by the chocolate fountain. Hayes is a Cincinnati Conservatory graduate cellist who has performed live in concert with rock legend Rod Stewart. He also is a freelance artist with the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra.

The Capitaland Chorus of Sweet Adelines, International will perform from 2:30 to 3 p.m. in the Huxley Theater. The chorus is a lively, all women’s barbershop chorus that has won both regional and international awards.

As a special promotion, visitors who purchase a State Museum membership will be eligible to win a gift basket full of products from Expo vendors.

Many products offered at the Chocolate Expo are made using fresh, locally produced ingredients. Products will include hand-dipped chocolates, gelato, baby cheesecakes and other baked goods, chocolate fudge, candy, nuts, organic peanut butter spreads, and several varieties of truffles, including organic, vegan and sugar-free. Specialty foods and beverages will include cider, homemade gourmet sauces, pesto, and chocolate wine. El Mariachi will serve mole chicken enchiladas. The Village Chocolate Shoppe will invite patrons to create their own chocolate treat.

Other gift items will include gourmet dog treats, chemical-free soaps, hand creams and bath products, handmade jewelry and unique Italian glass beads, hand-swirled glassware, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, organic clothing and hand-knit sweaters and accessories, including scarves, hats and mittens made from hand-spun llama yarn.

SmileMonster.com is a promotional sponsor. Additional support is provided by Fortitech.

The New York State Museum is a program of the State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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