What has strawberries, chocolate and meatloaf?

Before you go running for the Tums, the unlikely trio is actually three different eating events coming up this weekend and in the near future in Central Florida.

The Festival of Chocolate returns for a second year at the Orlando Science Center today and Sunday. The all-day event features lots and lots of chocolates with awards going to best chocolates of the day.

Chocoholics will love this event which delves into the science of  chocolate with live experiments and interactive presentations. Pastry chefs and professional chocolatiers will share techniques and host demonstrations. Chocolate and Confection Companies will be selling everything chocolate — truffles, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pastry and more.

Admission is $17. Children 3-11, $12. Vendor tastes $1-$5.

Chocolate goes great with strawberries but you will have to make the drive to Plant City to attend the Florida Strawberry Festival which opens this weekend and continues through March 13.

The festival, one of the most popular in the state,  includes a giant midway with more than 60 rides, live concerts featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, .38 Special, Trace Adkins, Rick Springfield and more, and of course, lots of strawberries.

Admission to the festival is $10 adults; $5, children. Ride tickets are separate

For more information call 813 752-9194.

And coming to Kissimme, March 19, is the meatloaf.

It is just a part of the Kowtown Festival, Kissimmee’s annual birthday celebration.

Held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Toho Square in downtown Kissimmee, the festival honors the city and county’s ranching heritage.

Special events include the 7th...23rd Annual Meatloaf Cook-off as well as a hot dog eating contest.

For more information call Kissimmee Main Street at 407 846-4643.