Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
All You Need Is Love …
But chocolate, wine and music are nice, too
Acomplete world of chocolate” opens at 10 a.m. Feb. 11 in Eureka Springs at the 19th annual Eureka Springs Chocolate Lover’s Festival. Devin Henderson says participants “can expect lots of vendors to be there selling all different types of products. There’ll be some chocolate vendors there, but then there are other vendors, too. There’s clothing vendors, jewelry vendors, lemonade vendors, you name it,” and every booth has chocolate to share.
When guests enter the Community Center they will be given a box to fill with chocolates, and they can sample sweets prepared by each vendor — and Henderson says they are usually homemade.
“By the time you get through the venue, you’ve gotten to sample all different kinds of chocolate, and you’ve got a box of chocolate to take with you,” Henderson says, just as in years past. “It’s one of those timeless classics that not a whole lot is changed from the past years.”
Among those handing out chocolates this year will be Kilwins of Branson, Good Shepherd Humane Society, Yellow Frisbee Bakery, Peachtree Village, Mary Kay and Fresh Mountain Soaps, among others.
“The chocolate tour is happening again this year,” Henderson adds. “After [guests] leave the chocolate festival, they’ll have in their hand a list of participating stores outside of the venue around town that they can go to and get special discounts and chocolate samples as well.”
He adds that SixtyOn will provide background music. “All the businesses here are excited to participate. All the vendors are excited, and we’re anxious to have everybody come,” Henderson says.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased either online or at the door. Vendor space is still available and open to all, including local artists and artisans who want to share chocolate
and their art.
“It’s open to everybody,” Henderson says. “It’s a good way for somebody to get in front of about 1,000 people or so in one spot and get exposure.”
He adds that they are prepared for late additions.
“We can pretty much make room for anybody up until the day of. We prefer a vendor booth would give us a little bit of notice, but we can squeeze anybody in that we need to.”
More To Celebrate
• “The Etiquette of Courtship” — A a glimpse into the process of courtship in the early 1900s in a guided tour of the Hawkins House, 10 a.m.-4
p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through May 20, Rogers Historical Museum. Free. 621-1154 or rogershistoricalmuseum.org.
• Galentines Party — 6 p.m. Feb.
8 at Bentonville Brewing Company. Tickets are $66 and include one shirt, one beer and $20 in Bloom Bucks to be redeemed during the event at Common Dwellings’ mobile Bloom Bar. See facebook.com/commondwellings for availability.
• Love Letters to Eureka Springs — Reception 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Main Street Hub inside Main Stage in Eureka Springs. “Love Letters” will be on display, and a selection of Love Letters will be read aloud; refreshments evoking love will be
served. This is a free event, and all ages are welcome. On display each Saturday in February from noon to 6 to p.m.
• The Art of Self Love — 6 p.m. Feb. 9, explore ways of calming the mind and body with guided mindful meditation, journaling, light movement, and other interactive practices with Joy Yerby in the Arts and Movement Room at the Fayetteville Public Library. Free. faylib.org.
• Date Night Pottery Wheel Valentine’s Day Special — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 9 or 2-4 p.m. Feb. 12. No clay experience necessary but dress for a mess! Clay, glazes, and firing fees are included. Ages 18 and older. Price is $48 per person at Community Creative