YKA Hot Chocolate Festival organizers aiming to build on event in its second year

“Dark caramel, our signature hot chocolate, whipped topping and hazelnut crumble on top,” Hill said. “We’re going to make our own hazelnut praline.”

The second annual YKA Hot Chocolate Festival will feature 15 vendors producing 13 beverages for consumption across Kamloops during the month of February.

Proceeds from each of the tasty treats sold will go to the Mount Paul Community Food Centre and customers are asked to vote for favourites on the app slated to go live on Jan. 31.

Gold, silver and bronze winners will emerge.

“The local vendors get a portion of the sales and the CFC gets a portion of the sales,” said Mount Paul Community Food Centre director Dawn Christie, noting those who vote will be entered to win prizes. “Whatever money we fundraise, we promise to put back in the community.

Eleven vendors pitched in to raise $3,000 for the food centre last year, with Hello Toast coming out on top of the competition.

The fundraising goal for 2025 is $5,000..

“It’s a friendly competition,” Hill said. “We all just want to create a fun drink and everyone has their own preferences. We’re not out to win. We’re out to support a good cause.”

Tantalizing photos can be found on the festival Facebook page.

“It’s just really fun,” Hill said. “It’s a great way for all the cafes and restaurants in Kamloops to do something fun and get people to try different places they don’t normally go to.”

PARTICIPATING VENDORS

Brynn’s Bakery – Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate

Fresh St. Market – Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate

Gold Leaf Pastries – Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

He Brews Ahava Coffee – S’mores Hot Chocolate

Hello Toast – Oreo Cookie Crumble

Kelly O’Bryan’s – Shamrock Sipper/Murphy’s Macaron

Logjam Coffee – Banana Foster Hot Chocolate

Mary Ann’s Macarons – Black Forest Bliss

The Chook Eatery – Gelato Hot Chocolate Float

The London Creative – The Empress

The Vic Downtown and 5Bean Brew Bar – Toasted Marshmallow