iN PHOTOS: Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival celebrates culinary talent
Warm up this winter with cups of steaming decadent hot chocolate at the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival festival next month.
This is the fourth year the warms the hearts, hands and mugs of Okanagan residents.
Sisters Murissa and Taryn Shalapata organize the festival in an effort to support local businesses while giving the public a chance to enjoy different takes on hot chocolate.
The festival takes place from Jan. 17 to Feb. 16, traditionally a slow time of year in the restaurant business.
“Some of the locations have let us know that it's been really beneficial for them. Sometimes it means that they can keep the lights on for another month, and it just helps people discover new places. We've had a lot of people say that they have discovered their new favourite cafe because of the festival,” Murissa says.
Residents are encouraged to visit local cafe’s all across the Okanagan participating in the festival and try a fancy cup of hot chocolate. All the proceeds from the festival go to the food bank and donations will be accepted.
Over 30 different locations will be participating in the month-long event. From matcha, cranberry white chocolate, peppermint, chilli or mushroom hot chocolate, with some alcoholic options, the creativity is endless.
For those who want tasty, hot chocolate treats throughout the month, physical coffee “passports” are available to grab at participating locations. At each location visited, guests can get their passport stamped. Once stamped 12 times, tasters are entered to win a prize.
Participating locations are on a map posted to the festival website, so the perfect hot chocolate route can be planned.
The festival also has a kids colouring contest.
Murissa says the festival showcases the creativity that the Okanagan is full of, and she says she is excited to support local businesses. Hot chocolate sippers purchase their drinks like normal and get to experience the creativity local business owners have to offer.
Valrhona French Premium Chocolate and Foodietown.ca are the marquee sponsors.
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