This past Friday, my family and I attended Chocolate Fantasia. This event was hosted by the Copperas Cove Independent School District and held at the Copperas Cove Civic Center, in Copperas Cove, Texas. The event was to showcase artwork created by students who receive special education services. One of the artists was my son, Alexander, who receives services for autism and intellectual disability disorder. (He will be graduating high school this year!) My son, Christopher, who is in middle school, participated in the event as a food server for his “Farm-to-Table” class.
Doors opened at 5:30PM. Although we had to wait in line to check in (and my mother to show proof of buying her ticket online), it was nice to see so many people there to support the artists. As you walked through the room, there was so much to see. Valentine’s Day decorations were throughout the room, giving a fun and festive vibe. There was a place for guests to purchase raffle tickets once you entered the event. Along one wall was an area to take pictures with picture frames and props. In the very back was a beverage bar with bottled water and alcohol-free champagne.
In the center of the room, there were tables. Some of the tables were filled with chocolate desserts. Serving the desserts were students from the high school culinary class and the middle school “Farm-to-Table” class. These students looked very professional in their attire and wore gloves while serving the food. (Great job, Kiddos!)
Other tables were draped with black tablecloths and had festive centerpieces in the middle of them. Each of these tables were specifically for displaying one piece of artwork. Next to the artwork was the artist’s picture and biography, allowing those attending the event to get to know the artists. Also on the table was a box with a hole in the middle for guests to place a raffle ticket in if they wanted a chance to win the artwork.
It was fun to walk around the room while snacking on chocolate and looking at each painting. It was fascinating to see how no two paintings were alike. They were all very creative and nicely done. The artists all did an amazing job.
The event ran a bit late due to technical difficulties (the microphone was missing), which had guests and artists a little concerned; however, those running the event worked diligently to get things back on track.
Around 7PM, the artists lined up and one by one were introduced onto the stage. Their name, what school they attended, and which artwork was theirs was announced. The crowd cheered loudly for each artist. Seeing the big bright smiles on the artists’ faces brought an even bigger smile to mine.
This was such a great event! I’m so glad that our family was able to experience this opportunity and we look forward to attending next year’s Chocolate Fantasia!
**Chocolate Fantasia flier was provided via Copperas Cove Independent School District**
*Students lined up on stage are from S.C. Lee Middle School’s “Farm-to-Table” Class.*
Monster in the Cookie Jar 