Mobile, AL to Host Annual Chocolate Festival

The Mobile Chocolate Festival serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Penelope House, an organization that provides shelter, protection, and support to victims of domestic violence and their children in Mobile, Washington, Choctaw, and Clarke counties. All proceeds from the event directly support the mission of Penelope House, which has been in operation for 45 years. The event is organized and run by a volunteer committee of the Penelope House Board, along with other board members, staff, and community volunteers who dedicate their time throughout the year. This community-driven effort brings together a wide array of local and regional vendors. In previous years, the festival has hosted over 50 vendors, offering a platform for small businesses to gain exposure. Beyond the chocolate sampling, the festival features a variety of unique, hands-on activities. Attendees can participate in a "Chocolate Challenge" with divisions for professionals, amateurs, and youth, or enjoy chocolate martini tastings. There is also a children's area that has included activities like wooden build projects sponsored by Home Depot. A creative highlight of the festival is "Project Yum Way," a fashion show where students and aspiring designers create outfits and accessories from chocolate candy wrappers. Past creations have famously included a Tootsie Roll bikini with matching flip-flops, showcasing the imaginative spirit of the event.