With more than 4,000 people devouring more than 100,000 of the finest chocolate the world has to offer, the 16th annual Incredible Edible Chocolate Festival will held on April 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Factory in Franklin.

“The Chocolate Festival benefits Outlook Nashville, a 49-year-old non-profit agency that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. The Incredible Edible Chocolate Festival is the major special event fundraiser for the agency and is awaited with great anticipation by Middle Tennessee,” said Jim Robert, Outlook Nashville development coordinator. “Our goal this year is to raise $30,000 to enhance and improve our facilities and programs.”

The festival is open to entries from the public in both professional and amateur divisions.  The chocolate dessert categories include: cakes, cookies, brownies, candies, pies and wild card entries.  Judges will be on hand to award the coveted grand prize, “people choice award” in both the amateur and professional categories.

In addition to “all you can eat chocolate,” MIX 92.9 will be the onsite host.  There will be a children’s area with arts and crafts, local dance studio performances, clowns, door prizes and an all chocolate silent auction.

Outlook Nashville was founded in 1957, by a group of individuals who shared concern about the lack of social opportunities for people with disabilities. Today, more than 150 children and adults across Middle Tennessee benefit from the innovative and quality services available at Outlook Nashville. Additionally, Outlook Nashville offers community based outreach programs for children and adults; Ayudando Ninos, a program geared specifically to the Hispanic Community, provides adult life skills and job placement services for adults with disabilities. The Children’s Program has grown into a NAEYC accredited organization and has a Three-Star rating from the Department of Human Services, which is the highest rating possible.

“We have high hopes that the 2006 ‘Sweet 16’ Incredible Edible Chocolate Festival will be our best one ever.  We have already received entries from several new participants and are very excited to have the opportunity to showcase fabulous desserts, sculptures and chocolate confections from individuals, restaurants and various businesses,” Robert said. “Everyone has that special chocolate dessert that is the best ever.  Bring it to the competition at The Factory for the chance to win a People’s Choice Award.”
The title sponsor of the event is Southwestern/Great American, Inc. If you would like more information on the event, contract Robert at devdir@outlooknashville.org or www.outlooknashville.org.