Chocolate Lovers Here Again, Back for More Next Year

Chocolate connoisseurs, talented confectioners and amateurs met in Fairfax City this weekend, to show off their tasty, artsy creations at the 20th annual Chocolate Lovers Festival.

A long line of festival-goers wrapped around the corner of the street waiting in line for a chance at the chocolate vendors inside Old Town Hall. The Taste of Chocolate drew an overwhelming crowd; volunteers had to let people in bit by bit, to keep to fire code. Vendors and customers buzzed shoulder-to-shoulder around tables featuring the finest chocolates in and around Fairfax.

"You know, I'm not going to tell you it's not tiring, but to see so many happy people is worth it," said Beverly Myers, chair of Friends of Fairfax.

The festival was hosted by the Chocolate Lovers Festival Committees and Sponsors, including Friends of Fairfax and Independence Day Celebration Committee.

"Currently, the Independence Day Committee sponsors the silent auction, but they're doing the Taste of Chocolate next year, not us," said Myers, disagreeing with the rumors that the event would die without Friends of Fairfax support. "The event sponsors are changing, but the festival will continue next year."

And every year, the festival draws repeat attendees as well as newcomers.

"I've been coming ever since I moved to the area," said Amelia Cohen.

"It's a fun atmosphere and the chocolate is really good," said Sharla, who toted a bagful of chocolate down the downtown streets with friends and family.

This year's Chocolate proceeds will go to the Kiwanis Club of Fairfax's Meals for Young Minds program. $1 entrance fees and chocolate purchases will help buy food for elementary school students who eat reduced lunch in the cafeteria but don't get that privilege at home.

With so many events to check out, chocolate-fanatics browsed the various sites throughout the city. They stopped by the Open House & Chocolate Treats at the Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center, the Chocolate Caper Mock Trial in the Fairfax Courthouse, the Chocolate Challenge & Silent Auction at the Space, and a Q&A Session with chocolate experts Norman Davis, Zane Beg and Warren Brown.

"We're extremely fortunate to have the professional talent in the area to give their time," Myers said. "Like the Sweet Life Cakery, and Warren Brown to judge chocolate entries and do a Q&A, and Norman Davis. These guys are people we see on Food Network in competitions."

Check back today for more chocolate coverage. We've got photos, more on what makes a chocolate expert, tips for cupcake baking and more.

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