Calling all chocolate lovers
Paradise Chocolate Fest returns to ridge
For the first time since the Camp Fire and COVID-19 forced the annual Paradise Chocolate Fest off the Ridge, the celebration returns to Paradise on Saturday.
The 17th annual Paradise Chocolate Fest begins at 9 a.m. and runs to 5 p.m.at Terry Ashe Recreation Center on the Skyway in Paradise.
The three-day event has been shortened to just one day. It benefits local groups and charities like Achieve Charter School, Boy Scouts 316, Children’s Community Charter School, Cub Scouts 316, Girl Scouts, Gold Nugget Museum, Mindful Littles, Northern California Ballet, Paradise Friends of the Library, Paradise High School Football, Paradise High School Woodshop, Paradise Host Lions Club, Paradise Piranhas Swim Team, Paradise Recreation and Park District, Paradise Rotary Interact, Paradise Stronger, Paradise Veterans Memorial Hall/American Legion, Rainbow Girls and Ridgeview Rangers.
The festival starts with Paradise Stronger Chocolate Chase Run/Walk on Saturday. The 17th annual Chocolate Chase will take place on the historic Yellowstone Kelly Trail, and participants will cross the Finish line at the Fest. Those pre-registered by April 1 paid an entry fee of $25 for adults and $15 for minors; after April 1st, the entry fee was $30 for adults and $20 for minors.
The race entry fee included a ticket to the Chocolate Fest.
Chocolate Cuisine Challenge also returns to the ridge. The competition is limited to the first eight entry forms submitted by amateur “chocolate chefs”. Ribbons will be awarded to Grand Prize, second and third runners-up, Best Presentation and Most Unique Use of Chocolate.
There will also be a young writers contest, which is a short story running competition open to all K-12 students throughout Butte County. Winners in multiple age categories will be awarded prizes and scholarship grants. Surprisingly enough, the theme for the contest is chocolate.
There is also an Art In the Park event that will include a variety of mediums, exhibits, demonstrations, sales and an outdoor gallery.
Visitors can view and purchase a wide variety of visual and fiber artists’ paintings and drawings, wood carving, wearables, home décor and more. Organizers say an Art Exhibit will be hosted by Paradise Art Center and Butte County Art on Wheels.
There is also a Playhouse building raffle that will include regional building industry professionals and mentors working with Paradise High and Ridgeview High students to construct a Playhouse at the fest. When the building is finished there, there will be a raffle with 100% of the proceeds to benefit youth programs and services on the ridge. The raffle will take place at 4 p.m. and is sponsored by Valley Contractors Exchange
There will also be a wine and beer garden from noon to 4 p.m. at the festival, including live music and lawn games, for 21 and older.
There will also be a “Chocolate, Wine, Brews & Spirits!” Hospitality Tent at the Fest from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Terry Ashe Recreation Center. Tickets for the event are $40.