HELENA – If you’re looking for something sweet this Valentine’s Day, the Parrot Confectionery in Helena is one place to turn. Employees have been busy since January preparing for the holiday.
The confectionery is a popular stop for many and includes all varieties of candy from wafers to chocolate covered strawberries to gift boxes. Head Confectioner Karlee Kleinschmidt said some people even keep empty, old chocolate boxes and bring them back every year to get refilled.
While the Valentine’s Day rush keeps employees busy, Christmas still ranks as the busiest time of the year for the candy shop.
Kleinschmidt said she enjoys seeing customers come to the shop and try her creations, especially husbands with specific instructions from significant others on what to buy.
“The guys who come in every year with their boxes that their wives have sent them with… it’s kind of fun to see that. They know exactly what they’re supposed to get and they tell you ‘can’t vary from that’. So it’s sort of fun,” Kleinschmidt said.
On Tuesday, Chocolatier Terri Dronen was busy preparing chocolate covered strawberries.
“Everybody likes…Valentine’s Day tradition. It’s fun,” Dronen said.
While The Parrot is still working its way through Valentine’s Day, they already have their eyes set on Easter. That’s the second busiest time of the year for the shop.
