Diet starts on Monday.

As for the weekend, live a little.

It's the fifth annual Utah Chocolate Show.

Open to the public, the chocolate exposition brings in just over forty vendors to sell confectionary cargo at delectable deals.

"You can find all kinds of chocolate at the show, from cakes to truffles to chocolate-covered popcorn and everything in between," said Annette Lyon, former assistant director of the show.

See's Candies, V Chocolates, Amano Artisan, Colorado Kernels and Caputo's Market will have booths at the show. After years of demand, Rebecca's Chocolates will also make their first showing.

Melanie Henderson, director of the chocolate show, said Utah Truffles is a main attraction.

"They'll be returning this year," she said. "They're a favorite every year."

Most vendors allow attendees to sample their chocolate goodies.

"It's one little, fun perk," Henderson said.

Other vendors offer chocolate indirectly. Home spas are sold and include a box of chocolates-the whole package is marketed as "With a Chocolate on Top." Pampered Chef will also be at the show.

The chocolate show also hosts Utah's Grand Wedding Cake Competition. This year, 13-14 cakes are competing in three categories of design-chocolate, classic, and free style. A panel of professional judges, combined with public voters, determines the winners for the competition.

Classes are also offered during the weekend's exposition. A dipping class will be taught, as will an advanced level special engagements class. Interested participants should sign-up online.

With a background in catering and chocolate-Henderson's mother grew up in Finland and often said "If something was worth celebrating, it was worth having chocolate at"-Henderson started the chocolate exposition to keep herself busy. She recruited her sisters for help, and the Utah Chocolate Show came to be.

The chocolate show is at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy. It is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The first 500 adult ticket holders who attend the show will receive a free tote bag stashed with coupons and other treats.

Tickets are $7 for adults, with children 5 years old and under admitted for free. Tickets can be used on both days. Visit www.utahchocolateshow.com for purchasing.

Copyright Brigham Young University 19 Nov 2008