The One-of-A-Kind Arizona Chocolate Festival Is The Sweetest Thing You’ll Ever Do
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 22, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s now socially acceptable to eat your body weight in candy. There’s a festival in Arizona where you can do just that, and the countless gourmet chocolate vendors certainly make it easy to do! Glendale Chocolate Affaire is by far the sweetest weekend of the year – and you don’t want to miss it.
On February 9th & 10th, more than 40 of Arizona's finest chocolatiers gather to set up shop in Downtown Glendale, featuring every confection your heart could possibly desire.
The event is hosted by Cerreta Candy Company and tours are offered all weekend long. An Arizona institution, the family-owned and operated factory churns out more than 40,000 pieces of candy each day.
You'll half-expect to see Willy Wonka and a few Oompa Loompas walking around. Like a well-oiled machine, all sorts of sweets are dipped, drizzled, and packaged for visitors to enjoy.
Caramel apples are one of the festival's most popular treats. Whether you prefer milk, dark, or white chocolate; nuts, sprinkles, or pretzels, rest-assured your favorite flavor combination can be found.
Chocolate-dipped cheesecake, anyone? What about a thick slab of creamy homemade fudge? Or perhaps a warm, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie? A sugar coma is inevitable, but we can promise you won't regret it.
Feel free to bring the kids along for the sugar rush - there will be face painting and bounce houses to keep the little ones thoroughly entertained while adults enjoy live entertainment. The dessert pizza-making booth is a blast for all ages and a fantastic (and delicious) family bonding activity.
The sweetness goes down on February 9th & 10th at Murphy Park, which is located at 58th and Glendale Avenues in Historic Downtown Glendale. Visit on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The Cerreta Candy Company, located at 5345 W Glendale Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301, will be offering free factory tours all weekend along, as well as free shuttles from Murphy Park to the factory.
For more information about the upcoming Glendale Chocolate Affaire, visit the Cerreta Candy Company website and follow along on its Facebook page.
Have you ever been to Glendale Chocolate Affaire? What was your favorite treat? Let us know in the comments below!
