Chocolate, and decadent desserts were on display at Bridgepark Retirement Community in High Point on Sunday April 25th. Led by award winning chef Colleen Steele the event featured french confections, and hundreds of treats, topped by her artistic interpretation of the Space Needle in dark chocolate. Attendees were asked to guess the weight of the sweet creation to win it. Steele, who is european trained, said, "I didn't even add up the hours. I was in that chocolate room for four days." Her regional manager gave her the idea to put on the event. "Because of the fact that he knew my strong background in desserts, he wanted to to do a dessert extravaganza around some of the talents I can do and I was more than happy," Steele said.

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

There were tours given of the facility and for some lucky people, special chocolates covered in real gold dust that entitled them to win door prizes. Those given a tour were also entered in a drawing to win free rent for life from Holiday Retirement, Bridgepark's parent company.

Before the event started a harpist tuned up and provided live music. When it was time for the crowd to get in line they filled their plates but for most it was an exercise in self control.
Visitor Gloria Raab said, "The event itself is fantastic. I wish I could eat a little bit of everything, but I know I can't."

After dipping and dining, the winner of the chocolate Space Needle, (which weighed 31 pounds 2 ounces) was announced. Alice Crawford, who according to her friends, "wins everything", said "You're all invited to our house to eat that thing."
Crawford plans to use the sculpture as a centerpiece for a reunion.