Four Corners Events

A Post-Valentine Extravaganza at Durango’s Annual Chocolate Fantasia

By Tonya Poole, 2-09-06

Since history began, at least as Hallmark and See’s Candies would have it, February has been singled out for lovers and for chocolate. This year is no different, so sweethearts and sweet tooths alike can come take part in a day of decadence at Durango’s 20th Annual Chocolate Fantasia on Friday, February 24th. Sponsored by the First National Bank of Durango and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, the event benefits the Volunteers of America Southwest Safehouse and the Durango Community Shelter.

More than 100 chocolate desserts were displayed last year, showcasing the delightfully devilish talents of both professional and amateur pastry chefs, and the only requirement was, of course, that at least part of the dessert dish be edible for guests to sample. If last year’s success was any indicator, event-goers can expect to be among the more than 1,000 people flocking to the student union ballroom at Fort Lewis College to see.. err.. taste.. the fantastic displays. Tempted, but feeling a little guilty? Remember that studies have shown chocolate, in moderation, to have positive cardiovascular effects on the body. And if chocolate in moderation has positive health effects, then chocolate in excess must really be good for us! That’s my theory and I’m stickin’ to it.

The event runs from 5:30 to 8:00pm on Friday evening, February 24th. Tickets are $12 per adult if purchased in advance, $15 at the door, and kids under ten are just are $5. Fort Lewis students with a student I.D. can purchase tickets for $10, and booklets of 10 tickets for $100 are available. Advance tickets can be purchased at any one of the following locations:

The 6th Street Hair Salon
1st National Bank of Durango (main branches in Durango and Bayfield)
Albertson's
Dietz Market
Durango Design Center
City Market's North and South
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Businesses interested in purchasing 10-ticket books can call Jessica Burley for more information at (970) 259-7462.

The Volunteers of America Southwest Safehouse thanks its sponsors, along with the Durango DoubleTree Hotel for its valued help with past events, and Sodexho and the folks at Fort Lewis College for allowing the event to expand to accommodate more and more chocolate lovers each year. For more information about the event, call Lynn Asano at (970) 259-1021.

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