Valentine’s cookie craft Feb. 12
Date: 02/13/2012
(Feb. 1, 2012) – The Center will host “One Smart Cookie!” a heart-shaped sugar cookie activity event for Valentine’s Day, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 in the Center’s activity room. Admission, materials and treats will be free.
The activity will welcome children, parents, grandparents and friends to make Valentine’s cookie gifts and keepsakes under the direction of Eileen McCormick. Participants will use a variety of materials, including Sweetheart Conversation Hearts.
Made by the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) the pastel candy delivers bright, usually two-word endearing messages. Some 100 different expressions are printed on the “sweethearts.”
Daniel Chase is credited with inventing the conversation candy process for NECCO in 1866.
The message-filled candy followed in the tradition of paper messages tucked into “Cockles,” a scalloped sea shell-shaped confection.
Participants also will learn that Valentine’s Day originally was designated as the feast day of Sts. Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Termi. The connection to the saints was dropped as the occasions became a commercial market niche.
The Betty Strong Encounter Center and adjoining Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center comprise a private, non-profit cultural complex built and sustained by Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD). The Center is located on the riverfront, exit 149 off I-29. For more information call 712-224-5242 or visit www.siouxcitylcic.com.