The Chocolate Expo moves to Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale
Strawberries are dipped into dark chocolate syrup at the Chocolate Expo. Credit: James Carbone
The Chocolate Expo is dipping into a new venue. After many years at Hofstra University in Hempstead, the annual event, which has been a spring staple on Long Island since 2012, is moving to the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on March 22.
This is the first time the Coliseum schedule worked for the event, producer/founder Marvin Baum says. "The advantage is the massive parking and access from multiple roads. It also gives us a larger space all on one level."
The show is held in the coliseum’s Expo Hall, an open floor with more than 44,000 square feet for its 80-plus vendors selling everything from chocolate bomb cannoli to cocoa-infused vodka to chocolate-covered bacon.
"We are the official home of chocolate, food and fun," Baum says. "Most people have memories of chocolate from when they were children that they associate with family celebrations and holidays. Chocolate represents happiness and good times."
In addition to candy, the expo will feature meet and greets and a Q&A with actors from "Little House on the Prairie" such as Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder), Patrick Labyorteaux (Andrew Garvey) and Todd Bridges (Solomon Gumbiner). For kids there will be face painting, balloon twisting, a scavenger hunt and a chocolate-smashing session where they can take turns cracking open a chocolate pig for a treat.
THE CHOCOLATE EXPO
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 22; Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale
COST VIP early admission (early entry at 9 a.m. and anytime during the day): $30, $15 ages 5-12 online only; general admission timed-entry tickets: $20, $15 child online; $30, $15 child at the door; Late entry admission after 4 p.m.: $10 all ages online, $15 at the door
MORE INFO thechocolateexpo.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
