Do you have a sweet tooth for anything and everything chocolate? Head to the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center this Saturday, March 9th for the 28th Annual Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival! You can never have too much chocolate.
History of the Chocolate Festival
Back in 1990, Patty Derrick brought the recognized chocolate festival to life. She was a Rehoboth Beach Centennial Chairman at the time, appointed by the Mayor. She also served on the board of the Downtown Business Association (now known as Main Street Rehoboth).
You can find a little history on the creation and inspiration of this festival at harrykfoundation.org.
“Just before the 1991 Centennial was to begin, Patty, her husband, and two friends were leaving for vacation in Hawaii and Tahoe when the Possum Players canceled their performance of ‘A History of Rehoboth Beach’ due to a death in the family.
A replacement event was needed. Patty put the printing of the Centennial brochures on hold until her return.
While in Tahoe, Patty’s friend Cindy DelCampo, a self-confessed chocoholic, saw an ad for a Chocolate Festival and dragged Patty along. There were no tickets available but they managed to meet the man in charge and he let them in.
Thinking this might be a possible replacement event for the Centennial, they talked to him at length about the logistics of putting on the festival.”
Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival Today
Since then, the Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival has evolved from a simple contest to a restaurant promotion and well-known event. All proceeds from the event go directly to feeding the hungry. The Harry K Foundation School Food Pantries, Backpack Program, and the Baby Pantry all use these funds to help feed children throughout Delaware.
Tickets to this chocolate festival vary by age and desire. The First Taste will be at 11am. Depending on how many tastings, ticket prices range from $20-$30.
Visiting town just for this festival because the aromas and sweet tastes keep bringing you back for more? Make a weekend out of it! Book a weekend stay at the Atlantic Sands Hotel to experience everything Rehoboth has to offer.