The West Virginia Museum of American Glass features several displays.

While winter’s usual snow and ice welcomed us to the New Year, we Appalachians have learned that there are many days when we must just pull the draperies back, peer outside and sadly wonder when we will have a turn to exit, get some fresh air and speak with some friends.

Thankfully, our “candy-maker friends” to the west have come to the rescue and are looking forward to our participation.

The 10th annual Chocolate Festival scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10 from 1-3 p.m. at the beautiful and distinctive West Virginia Museum of American Glass on Weston’s Main Avenue, only a hop and a jump from the Corridor H Interchange with I-79.

Some will be hesitant to attend because they are visitors to the area, but the warmth and kindness of people attending will be surprising and many new friendships could be formed through the afternoon.

Faye Bell, the original Festival organizer, said the local chocolatiers who prepare all the afternoon’s delicacies have been contacted and are “on-board for preparing the best Chocolate Festival ever.”

Last year, 300 visitors each paid the $10 donation to take up a set of tongs and make their candy choices from a seemingly endless line of tables loaded with platters of tasty treats.

Last year, 300 visitors each paid the $10 donation to take up a set of tongs and make their candy choices from a seemingly endless line of tables loaded with platters of tasty treats. Table set-up help from the local high school’s Interact Club (a student volunteer group) ensured an efficient distribution of the chocolate varieties, and the many types of colored glass ensured a bright and magnificently beautiful setting in which to enjoy one’s selections.

The Museum will once more host organist Marjie Foster from Gassaway, who has enlivened past Festival afternoons with her large assortment of favorite tunes.

Most will agree that much of the pleasure is having so many different displays of chocolate delicacies. They describe an elevated feeling even before a single morsel is placed on the palate.

As the serving line moves through the Museum’s main floor, all the visitors are accommodated rather quickly. Once favorite selections are made, seats are found and many remain for an hour or so to chat with friends that joined them for the festivity. An important feature of the festival is that people are welcome to take what they want and enjoy leftovers through the next week.

First designed to raise monies for Museum improvements, most will agree that being among this glass collection, itself, is actually worth the fee. And it is evident that the work continues to make the venue place higher on the showplace charts.

The West Virginia Museum of American Glass on Weston’s Main Avenue.

So, beat the loneliness of these cold months and share in the delight of celebrating Valentine’s Day with fresh-made chocolates. It is a great excuse to get out of the house and experience an event that will elevate your enthusiasm. I will not tell your doctor, if you will not tell mine.