Bounty of new flavours on offer for 2023 Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival

For a second year, the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival brings the popular hot drink into the delicious spotlight with more vendors, and new flavours.

“Last year we were trying to encourage [businesses] to join; this year everyone jumped at the chance,” festival founder Murissa Shalapata told Kelowna10.

In their inaugural festival last year, Shalapata said they had over 60,000 views on their flavour map and she expects to exceed those numbers this time. She said the buzz has been sensational.

“People are just super excited to have a hot chocolate festival during the slower time of our winter months,” she said. “It’s a way to get excitement during this time of year where the winter blues kick in and you might not be having fun waiting for spring to arrive.”

Over 20 locations are taking part across Kelowna, Penticton, Summerland and Vernon. Each city will be doing something unique, with over 30 different hot chocolate flavours being served.

Shalapata said it’s all about getting out and enjoying what the community has to offer.

“You can get out there, support local, support a local charity, and have some fun,” she explained. “There are some hot chocolate cocktails, some healthy ones. No matter what your new year’s goals are, there’s something there for you.”

All the donations through the festival’s website will go towards the Central Okanagan Food Bank with a goal of $500.

“The need for affordable food is important more than ever before. The rising cost of inflation, the cost of housing in the Okanagan, it is really hurting families,” Shalapata said. “We want to make sure we give this charity its due diligence and help them out as best we can.”

The festival runs until Feb. 14.