Chocolate lovers will melt over a free event today in Olde Town Arvada.
The ninth annual Chocolate Affair runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers chocolate temptations of all kinds.
During the event’s Taste of Chocolate, more than two dozen chocolatiers, bakers and restaurants will sell bites of their confections for $1 each or six for $5.
“There’s everything from chocolate cakes and candy to chocolate milk and chocolate tea,” says Nancy Bentzen, chairwoman of the Arvada Festivals Commission, which organizes this event along with Historic Olde Town Arvada.
The money raised from the tastings will benefit the Arvada Ralston House, a shelter for children and families who are victims of abuse. (Last year’s tastings raised about $2,000 for this cause.)
Another ongoing activity is the Chocolate Treasure Hunt, which starts in Olde Town Square, at Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and West 57th Avenue. Kids and parents can pick up a map from participating businesses in the historic district, then receive clues — along with chocolate samples. Each clue will help participants complete an entry form. Turn in the form for a chance to win one of six gift baskets filled with chocolate treats.
Home bakers also can enter one of two bake-offs. Interested? Bring six of your best cookies to DiCicco’s banquet room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enter in either the decorated- or chocolate-chip-cookie contest. The winners will receive gift certificates from local merchants and boxes of chocolates.
Meanwhile, children can head to the Arvada public library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a chocolate-themed story time. Parents can also keep kids occupied with face-painting and balloon-tying, or the entire family can hop into a horse-drawn carriage and tour the historic district.
Rounding out the event are two free talks by Colorado-based “chocolate therapist” Julie Pech. Pech will discuss the health benefits of chocolate.
“This started out years ago with just a few businesses giving out small chocolate treats to customers,” Bentzen says. “But it’s really grown into a bigger event, and we try to add something new every year.”
The ninth annual Chocolate Affair will be hosted by the D-Note, 7519 Grandview Ave., and DiCicco’s, 5660 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. For more information, call the Historic Olde Town Arvada office at 303-420-6100.
