The third edition of the Okotoks Hot Chocolate Festival is a go for 2021.

Once again, businesses in the downtown core of Okotoks are serving up their own unique variations of hot chocolate, with residents voting on their favourite cup.

Katie Fournell with K-T Events says the hot chocolate fest started as a way to kick the winter blues but also asks as a way to support businesses in town. 

"A lot of businesses have kind of a dip in sales in February, and so this was a fun way to support the businesses and also get to try some really fantastic hot chocolates and inspire some creativity."

Fournell has received great feedback over the years because of the Festival from not only the business community but also the residents who get to take part in the warmth. 

"People are like, ‘Oh my gosh, one of my favourite parts of the year.' I think everybody just kind of wants hot chocolate and make an excuse to go and drink hot chocolate for 10 days. The calories don't count if you're supporting local business.” 

The Festival this year runs from Feb 10th to the 20th with currently 9 businesses taking part. 

“We could still go up with more businesses.” Says Fournell. “We are allowing businesses to enter basically until the 9th of February, which is the day before the Hot chocolate festival. That's kind of a bonus of going online with the festival is that I can keep adding businesses even after I don't have to worry about print time.” 

With social and business restrictions still in place in Alberta, most businesses are operating as pick-up only with some opting for a 'make at home option' for their Hot Cocoa. 

Fournell says making everything virtual this year has helped keep things safe but still recommends following current health measures when you are inside of the participating location.

The 2021 Hot Chocolate Festival is hosted through a website where users can make free accounts to vote on their favourite cup. Residents then have the opportunity to win prizes based on the ratings, Fournell explains. 

"Every hot chocolate you rate, you get an entry into a draw for a $25 gift certificate to the business that wins the festival." 

She adds "This year's festival is Instagrammable and available on TikTok using the hashtag #okotokshotchocolate."

Find out more about the Festival and get signed up HERE 

 

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