Albuquerque is a great destination for its blue skies, sweeping vistas, historic sites. major arts culture, and popular regional foods. An event celebrating one of those attractions is coming in March.

The very popular Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest returns to Albuquerque for its fourth year on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Look for even more exhibitors, demonstrations, competitions and other surprises at the Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds as the event promises more chocolate, more coffee and more space than ever before.

What could be a better gustatory experience than the mingling of the flavors and aromas of chocolate and coffee? The SW Chocolate & Coffee Fest is the perfect place to join those addictive flavors with a great time of learning, enjoying live entertainment, and fun for the whole family.

In addition to over 100 exhibitors—all eager to share their products and expertise—there will be Guttard Chocolate baking competitions with great cash prizes—including a competition for “Best Young Baker” that nets the winner $75 and a professional baking class at The Specialty Shop.

Professional cooking demonstrations by the Southwest Dairy Farmers and the Santa Fe Culinary Institute will have you eager to try new things in your own kitchen. Enjoy live cow milking demonstrations, non-stop family-friendly live music, a chocolate sculpture contest and, wider aisle to accommodate the over 16,000 chocolate and coffee lovers expected to attend.

A new special feature is an entire area dedicated to family fun with kid-friendly entertainment and special activities.

How fun will it be to join in the Chocolate Pie Eating Contests scheduled for both days? Starting at 1:30 p.m., young and older folks alike will entertain the crowds with attempts to consume a chocolate cream pie in its entirety—sans tools and hands. Great prizes and bragging rights (and very full tummies) await the champions. All contestants will be provided a poncho to avoid damage to clothing. Entry fee is a mere $5 for the unique opportunity.

While many of the exhibitors will be providing small samples of their products, the real purpose of the event is to showcase the many  artisan businesses offering the best in chocolates, coffees, teas, candies, baked goods, wine, beer, and gourmet foods from throughout New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.

Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest tickets include the exhibition, entertainment, free door prizes, demonstrations and competitions at just $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+ and students (ID required), with children 12 and under free. Parking at Expo New Mexico is $5 per car. Baking contest registration is open to all at $25, which includes festival admission.

Circle the date and plan to join us for a wonderful time—and some delicious experiences!

The Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Festival is presented by Blue River Productions. For more information, please visit http://www.chocolateandcoffeefest.com.