CREEDE- The annual Chocolate Festival in Creede will still be taking place Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28. The Chocolate Festival has a long history in Creede and is a great opportunity to support local businesses in Creede. Not only does if offer delicious treats homemade by local participants, but it affords the chance to do some holiday shopping outside of the Black Friday deals.

According to the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, the event will see little change this year due to COVID-19. Creede has been fortunate enough to have zero active cases in the last several weeks and hopes to remain that way. The city and chamber are asking everyone to practice social distancing, wear face coverings and to stay home if experiencing symptoms.

Here is what to expect during this year’s event, “The Creede Chocolate Festival is an annual two-day event beginning the Friday & Saturday after Thanksgiving. This event showcases luscious samples of chocolate specialties created by local business owners and individuals. All participants must abide by a few simple regulations concerning their chocolate delicacies: samples must contain chocolate, carob, cocoa, or white chocolate and cannot be commercially made or prepared from a box. Wonderful, yet sometimes unusual, chocolate delights range from tiramisu, tortes and chocolate covered pretzels, to jalapeno bean fudge and chocolate-dipped bacon. Eating your way around Creede will be easy—but casting your vote for the People’s Choice award can be challenging.

Often, Santa and Mrs. Claus can be found around town! Live music can often be found in the late afternoon and evening. Many of Creede’s businesses will also be holding sales and offering specials during the festival weekend. Several businesses will be open for Black Friday Shopping, offering deep discounts from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Creede’s Chocolate Festival originated as an interesting and fun way to begin the holiday season while enticing people to explore Creede’s unique business district. This mountain town is home to several well-known artists, jewelers, writers and actors. An array of galleries, gift shops, specialty stores and restaurants fill the Victorian-era buildings.

While busy in the summer months, winter brings tranquility and a slower pace to Creede that is appreciated by locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by 96% public lands, Creede provides great opportunities for sledding, ice skating, cross-county and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Local clubs groom ski trails close to town, and miles upon miles of GPS-mapped snowmobile trails traverse peaks, valleys and plateaus. Winter sports equipment can be rented or purchased through local merchants.”

For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.creede.com