Page 30 - Southern Oregon Magazine Winter 2020

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EVENTSVENTS

ASHLAND INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

OSCAR NIGHT FUNDRAISER
February 9

alling all movie lovers! You’re invited to cel-
Cebrate the night of all nights for movies with
hundreds of true film fans. Put on your best black tie
attire and come watch the Academy Awards® live
at the Historic Ashland Armory. On February 9 the
Ashland Independent Film Festival will roll out the
literal red carpet for patrons of this annual Oscar®
night fundraising gala. Partygoers dressed to the
nines will enjoy a gourmet dinner catered by Smithfields. Indulge in chocolates
from Lillie Belle Farms and more chocolate from Branson’s Chocolates. There
will also be AIFF’s own wine label made by Weisinger Family Winery. Fun activi-
ties include a wine pull, Oscar® bingo, and a famous Guess the Winner raffle.
Proceeds from the gala benefit and support AIFFLearn, the educational programs
that bring students to film, filmmakers to schools, and more.

In addition, The Ashland Independent Film Festival recently announced the open-
ing of the AIFF Film Center, the newest addition to Ashland’s vibrant visual and
literary arts scene on East Main Street. The new AIFF Film Center will serve as
a year-round social hub for film lovers and provide expanded office space for
the growing organization. During its annual flagship festival in April, the center
will also serve as a gathering space for members and volunteers. AIFF is working
closely with community partners to develop a program of year-round screenings,
classes, workshops, gallery exhibitions, and more. The new Film Center’s spacious
lobby can be converted into a reception space, a 60-seat screening room, a small
retail area, and a media gallery.
www.AshlandFilm.org

OREGON CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

March 6 thru 8

ark your calendars and rev up your taste buds
Mfor the 16th Oregon Chocolate Festival, the
weekend of March 6 thru 8 at Ashland Hills Hotel &
Suites. Join West Coast chocolatiers, artisan food pro-
ducers, and other taste makers—including wine, beer,
and spirits makers, chef and coffee roasters—during
the fun-filled and educational event. Bring family and
friends along as you taste, learn, and shop. Take part in workshops, talks, chef domos,
panel discussions, chocolate Dessert Competition, 5K run, and more.

The event kicks off with Friday night’s formal Chocolate Maker’s Wine Dinner. The
menu includes an incredible three-course dinner and dessert. A dance is also set for
that evening. On Saturday, attend the Festival Vendor Expo. Sunday, make reserva-
tions for the Chocolate Sunday Brunch.
Check the website for times, places, costs, and more details. Also, note two epic
overnight packages—Ultimate VIP Chocolate Festival Package and Chocoholic
Access Package.

www.OregonChocolateFestival.com

28 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | winter 2020