Easterseals Chocolate and Food Festival [PHOTOS]

Naugatuck, CT — Easterseals of Greater Waterbury hosted their 25th annual Chocolate and Food Festival on Saturday at the Naugatuck Event Center downtown in the borough. The festival had been advertised on 1320WATR, WTNH News 8 and on Naugatuck Patch, so chocolate lovers from surrounding community came out in force for a good cause. Easterseals is a non-profit organization that provides essential programs and services to children and adults with disabilities and organizers appreciated all the support that will make a meaningful difference to the lives of those they serve.

The line to enter the event was out the door of the venue at noon when the event began; about an hour later attendees could get inside to purchase their entrance tickets. Naugatuck Mayor N. Warren "Pete" Hess told me that the line had begun to form before they opened the doors to patrons.

The lines were also long for Naugatuck's Edible Dreams bombers, Sweet Maria's of Waterbury treats, and of course at Waterbury's Fascia's Chocolates. There was a soft foam play area for the kids and many kids at heart enjoyed little boxes of popcorn as well as samples of adult beverages. Artists of all ages painted at the tables of BrushStroke Paint Party of Naugatuck.

The crowds enjoyed sampling a wide assortment of delicious chocolate, gourmet foods, and specialty treats, as well as beer and wine. Outside three food trucks prepared yummy offerings. There were over 50 vendors offering sweets, gifts, products and services. The venue was filled with music and radio station Country 92.5 was in the house. Several tables were filled with clipboards for the silent auction; there were also special drawing, like the one sponsored by Waterbury's Palace Theatre for tickets to 'Rent,' other door prizes and some tables even offered demonstrations.

Check the gallery above for 44 photos take at Saturday's event. All photos by Nancy Sasso Janis