Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation, Inc. / Paradise Chocolate is dedicated to benefit non-profit organizations which provide educational, enrichment, recreational and leadership opportunities to youth on the Paradise Ridge.  Since 2006, the sweet, magical power of chocolate has inspired our generous community to honor and celebrate youth through the thriving annual Paradise Chocolate Fest, held each spring.

Since its inception, Paradise Chocolate Fest has contributed over $420,000.00 to Ridge youth programs and services.  From scholarships to upgraded computers, sports uniforms, musical instruments, summer camp, swim & dance lessons, leadership programs, vision screening, food banks and more, revenues ultimately reach out to impact the lives of thousands.

On November 8, 2018 Paradise suffered the most destructive wild-fire in California history. Our hearts are broken  over the loss and devastation that our community has experienced thru the Camp Fire.  However, while much of the physical aspect of our Town is currently gone, our spirit remains.  We remain committed to providing enduring support of one of Paradise's most precious resources; our youth. 

In 2020 & 2021, due to the COVID-19 virus, Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation hosted Virtual Paradise Chocolate Fest Celebrations, bringing people together, from across the region and across the world, via social media and on-line festivities.  With tremendous community support, the Foundation distributed over $20,000 to organizations serving youth on the Ridge.

Commemorating 20 years of “Sweetening Kids Lives”, Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation's Paradise Chocolate Fest & Musical Celebration will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 10 am - 5 pm at beautiful Terry Ashe Park, on the Skyway in the heart of Paradise.

The award-winning Paradise Fest features Chocolate Candy Land where you can dip into decadence at the large chocolate fountain or visit chocolate booths and professional Chocolatiers with countless chocolate delicacies, desserts, confections and scoops of yummy Ice Cream for sale. 

Fest attendees also enjoy “Art in the Park”, “All About Books”, “Green Scene Outdoor Classroom”, "Chocolate, Wine, Brew & Spirits Garden", craft, commercial and community booths and a wide range of delicious food selections. 

Young Fest goers have great fun visiting the Kidz-Zone including giant inflatables, carnival games and prizes, costumed characters, arts & craft projects, contests, hands-on exhibits & demonstrations and musical entertainment and performances.

Special events throughout the day include the Paradise Chocolate Fest Queen & King Coronation, Chocolate Cuisine Challenge, Chocolate Pie Eating and Cookie Stacking Contests, Super Sensational Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest, LEGOS Build Competition and Young Authors Writing Contest Awards ceremony!

A spectacular line-up of "Top Talent!" on 2 stages at this year's Paradise Chocolate Fest & Music Celebration! -  Big Mo & the Full Moon Band, Hot Flash, Rigged, Tallly & Whiskey River Band!!

Paradise Chocolate Fest has been ranked as one of the “Best In the West!” by Cal Expo, California’s State Fair!! – We are thrilled!

Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation will respectfully follow guidance from State and County health departments surrounding large gatherings and safety protocols.  

NO PETS ALLOWED. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability will be welcome.

We are looking forward to a Fabulous Festival!!

Additional Fest Highlights

ReDiscover the Ridge: the Communities of Paradise & Magalia

Exhibit & Community Info Booths.

Chocolate, Wine, Brew & Spirits! - at the Fest! 

featuring the North Valley’s premiere Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits selections, Live Concerts by Hot Flash & Whiskey River Band, Lawn Games .... Noon - 4 pm 21 & older. 

Young Author's Writing Contest!

Open to All K-12 Students throughout Butte County encouraging young people to develop enthusiasm for, and expertise in their writing success ...."Chocolate" is the theme!  Multiple Age Divisions.  Scholarship Awards and Prizes will be presented at the Fest.  In collaboration with North State Writers.

Paradise Chocolate Fest Beneficiaries

2025 Beneficiaries Include - Achieve Charter School, Boy Scouts 316, Cub Scouts 316, Friends of Outdoor Adventures, Gold Nugget Museum, Northern California Ballet, Paradise Friends of the Library, Paradise Elks Lodge, Paradise High School Cheer, Paradise Host Lions Club, Paradise Piranhas Swim Team, Paradise Recreation & Park District, Paradise Rotary Interact, Paradise Stronger, Paradise Veterans American Legion, Rainbow Girls & Ridgeview High School. 

Benefiting Youth in our community .... It doesn't get much sweeter!