By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Only one event in Birmingham combines the chocolate decadence of Valentine’s Day with the wild nature of Alabama: Wild About Chocolate.

Alabama Wildlife Center’s biggest fundraising event of the year is returning Feb. 6 from 7-10 p.m. at The Harbert Center, and AWC Executive Director Doug Adair said he expects a good turnout.

“Everyone loves the Valentine’s Day theme,” he said. “It’s just a fun place to be to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We’ve gotten such positive feedback from, really, a range of aspects of the event.”

Brenda Ladun, of ABC 33/40, returns to the emcee the event once again, and the band High Tide will provide live entertainment for attendees.

No Valentine’s Day event would be complete without chocolate, and Adair said the event will feature an array of tasty chocolate treats and desserts, as well as some savory appetizers.

“It should be a fun entertaining evening and it’s become one of Birmingham’s premiere Valentine’s Day events,” Adair said.

Attendees may also bid on vacation, restaurant and entertainment packages through a silent or live auction that will be held during the event.

Adair said there are usually about 500 people at the event, and that the numbers continue to grow every year. One of the best parts about the event, he said, is the opportunity to fellowship with people who believe in the mission of AWC.

“The success of this kind of event, with the support of people who believe in our mission, really allows us to travel throughout the state and do outstanding conservation education programs and provide excellent rehabilitation care for Alabama’s injured and orphaned native birds,” Adair said.

AWC will be introducing one of its rehabilitated birds—a red-tailed hawk—to attendees as the center’s newest educational ambassador.  A car hit the hawk and, although it rehabilitated well, it cannot be released because it is blind in one eye.

Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. Special VIP tables are available for $1,000, and sponsorships are also available. For more information or to order tickets, visit Awrc.org or call 663-7930 ext. 8.

“We are excited about it,” Adair said. “It’s a great time, and it’s a really great way to support AWC.”