Chocolate fest will be sweet affair
Even though the 24th annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire is one day shorter in 2019, there’s still plenty for the family to do together.
Get chocolate wasted for free (yes, free) around a downtown area at 58th and Glendale Avenues that feels like the stomping grounds from “The Andy Griffith Show.”
“There’s a great selection of chocolates with amazing vendors from all across the country, and local chocolatiers, too,” said Kim Larson, Glendale’s marketing program manager.
With more than 40 chocolatiers, live music, romance novelists and shops and restaurants getting in the spirit, it’s truly a community celebration.
Cerreta’s and Willy Wonka’s factory
One of the hits every year is the Cerreta Candy Co. tour. Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at how sweets are made, and it’s not just chocolate. Cerreta’s will showcase taffy, caramel, nuts and popcorn, too. Don’t forget a free sample. Tours are held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Free shuttles
on 57th and Glenn Drives are provided from the festival to the candy factory.
And, if the tour makes you want to watch the 1971 “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” starring Gene Wilder, you’re in luck. For the first time, Glendale Chocolate Affaire will air screenings of the nostalgic wonder at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the Catlin Court on Saturday night with a popcorn vendor conveniently nearby.
Feeling artsy?
There are plenty of ways to tap into family creativity at the event.
Stopping by the Cerreta pizza-making booth is a must. Kids can garnish whatever candies they want on top of their sweet chocolate pizza. Adults shouldn’t be afraid to take on the challenge, too.
In the Plein Air Painting Competition, artists of any skill level can paint outdoor scenes around Glendale. The event, presented by the Glendale Public Art Program, will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
After a successful run in 2018, Paint Nite Classes return on Saturday in which you can paint your own version of an example with a group for $37. Guests are encouraged to reserve a seat at paintnite.com before arriving. The 2:30 p.m. class is already sold out, but the 11 a.m. class still has seats, as of Thursday, Jan. 31.
Also, anyone of any age can be part of a public art piece in an effort to beautify Catlin Court in downtown Glendale with artist Kristine Kollasch. There will be pre-designed desert plant templates that represent all of the Glendale council districts (yucca, cholla, barrell, saguaro, ocotillo and cactus). Once colored, all of the combined pieces will make a banner. Sign the artwork like any true artist does.
There will be about 50 romance novelists, locals and those from other parts of the southwest, appearing throughout the event who will host writing workshops and fun activities for all ages.
Local shops join with chocolate specials
Because the festival is happening around restaurants and shops, they join in the fun with chocolate specialties.
“Visitors will take the time to get to know shop owners, and they’ll want to come back again and again long after Chocolate Affaire has passed,” said Lorraine Zomok, president of the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association.
Here are some examples of Chocolate Affaire specialties:
❚ Bitz-ee Mama’s: The MexicanAmerican restaurant is serving five chocolate-based specials including chocolate chip pancakes, Chocolate deep fried ice cream and chicken and mole made with red chili and chocolate.
❚ The Cottage Garden II: This clothing store will offer heart-shaped silverware necklaces made from woven sterling silver forks.
❚ Glendale Flowers and Gifts: Free chocolate bar charm with the purchase of a starter charm bracelet.
❚ Papa Ed’s Ice Cream: The shop’s featured flavors will include strawberry cheesecake and dark chocolate raspberry ice cream.
❚ The Spicery in Our 1895 Home:
The converted Victorian house will have double fudge chocolate cake on the dessert menu.
❚ Zola Bells Vintage: This vintage shop will feature old-fashioned candy, and guests can give pats to Charlie, a chocolate Labrador Retriever who will be the official greeter.