HOMEWOOD | Those with a sweet tooth should find satisfaction when the Village of Homewood hosts its sixth annual Chocolate Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road.

Local and national confectioners will showcase truffles, assorted chocolates, brownies, caramel apples, ice cream, cupcakes, breads and more.

Godiva, Starbucks Coffee, Fannie May, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Mitchell's Candies, Panera Bread and Delectable Desserts will offer samples and discounts on their treats. Ten Thousand Villages will offer an assortment of organic chocolates from cocoa farmers worldwide.

Homewood Sweet Homewood's Chocolate Fest will again feature an amateur bake-off. Adult and youth entries will be critiqued by five honorary judges who will rate entries by taste, appearance, uniqueness of recipes and overall creativity. First place will be crowned by Homewood Village President Richard Hofeld; prizes will be awarded.

Homewood's Veterans Committee and the Girl Scouts will team up to create care packages for troops in Iraq. Fest goers can purchase Girl Scout cookies for a troop and a message of encouragement will be sent to those serving in Iraq.

Physicians from Advocate South Suburban Hospital will provide tips on diet and explore health benefits from the antioxidants found in chocolate.

The Chicago Gargoyle Brass Band, a quintet, will perform show tunes. Fest goers can participate in "green" projects sponsored by Homewood's Tree Committee.

Raffles will be held every 30 minutes, and the event will conclude with Homewood's traditional pie eating contest.

For a complete vendor listing or event details, visit www.homewsweethomewood.com or call Homewood's events office at (708) 206-3375.

- THE TIMES

If you go

Chocolate Festival

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road

FYI: www.homewsweethomewood.com