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| - Been coming to this event for the last four years. In that time, I've learned some tricks of the trade to make the most of your experience here. Here's a couple of tips:
1. I would HIGHLY recommend coming on Friday night rather than Saturday or Sunday. The crowds are much lighter, the lines shorter, and finding parking in the area is much less cumbersome.
2. If you must come on Saturday or Sunday, get here right when the event opens. By 1pm the event is wall to wall people and the lines will only get longer as the day progresses
3. Start your visit by doing a lap around the perimeter of Murphy Park so you can examine each of the vendors. That way you can choose which ones you want to patronize in advance.
4. Work your way from lightest concoctions to heaviest. For example I usually will do something light like a chocolate covered pretzel to start and end with chocolate covered cheesecake. Its a good idea to mix in some salty snacks in between like roasted nuts or chips (both of which are also sold here).
5. They have a lot of chocolate vendors that come and go from year to year, but there are also ones that are annual mainstays. For good reason. They're the best ones. Three mainstays I'd recommend trying: Cerreta's (obviously), San Francisco Chocolate Factory, and Mr. Fudge.
6. The chocolate pizza station looks cool and your kids would probably love it, but its expensive. And if you're an adult you'll likely be disappointed with what you get for the money. My advice, skip it.
7. The prime parking area is around 56th Ave. just north of Glendale. That area will put you basically right in between the main festival at Murphy Park and Cerreta's Factory. If you don't care to walk to Cerreta's Factory, then try parking north of the main festival at Landmark Middle School.
8. That said, I do highly recommend making the trek to Cerreta's Factory. The Factory has a much wider variety of candies and chocolates than their festival booth and its only about a half mile east of the festival.
9. There are military groups and rotary clubs that fundraise here. Be sure to give them a donation. Some of them will give you a coupon or a free treat as a heartfelt thank you. You'll feel good helping them out too.
10. Read the street signs for parking. Glendale PD is out in force for the event and I've seen vehicles towed for parking in fire lanes, parking in handicap spots, and even blocking residents driveways
There are a ton of non-chocolate vendors at this event too including live music as well as rides and attractions for the kids. And if you're looking for a place to sit down and have a full meal before or after the event, La Piazza al Forno, A Touch of European Cafe, and Haus Murphy's are excellent dining options in the neighborhood. Like I said though, if at all possible, go on Friday.
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