Winners Announced for the Lakefield Chocolate Creations Festival
Chocolate lovers in Lakefield had plenty to indulge in this year as the Lakefield Chocolate Creations Festival wrapped up another successful event. Previously known as the Lakefield Hot Chocolate Festival, the event was rebranded and expanded this year to feature a wider variety of chocolate-inspired treats from local businesses.
Hosted by the Lakefield Village Lions Club, the festival ran from January 31-February 18, and invited residents and visitors to explore 14 participating businesses, sample their unique chocolate creations, and vote for their favourites in three categories: food, drink, and creativity.
The winners were announced on social media Friday afternoon.
Food Category
The Lakefield Pantry took first place in the food category with their entry, a chocolate cupcake filled with orange creme and topped with chocolate mascarpone. The runner up was the Cheesy Fromage who competed with their signature s’mores.
Drink Category
In the drink category, The Nutty Bean Café claimed first place with their Maple Bacon Hot Chocolate. Jack’s Family Restaurant took second place with a toblerone hot chocolate, complete with butter rum flavouring.
Creativity Category
The creativity category recognized businesses that went beyond food and drink to offer something extra special. The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society earned first place with their “smooth-a-pooch” booth, where visitors could make a donation to pose for a photo with an adoptable puppy. The runner-up, Sunshrine Day Spa & Salon, offered a strawberry chocolate truffle hand treatment.
“Thank you to the community and visitors for exploring our beautiful village and trying the many chocolate creations.”
In a social media post, the Lakefield Village Lions Club expressed their gratitude to both businesses and participants.
“Thank you to all 14 participating businesses. Your creativity and enthusiasm made this festival a success. We hope you felt the love for all that you do for Lakefield,” the club wrote. “Thank you to the community and visitors for exploring our beautiful village and trying the many chocolate creations. We loved that so many were sampling multiple treats!”
Beyond celebrating delicious chocolate creations, the festival also gave back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will support local causes and families through the Lakefield Village Lions Club.
Photos: Lakefield Village Lions Club