Download 2025 Young Authors Writing Contest Application (PDF)

                       Young Authors Writing Contest!  Butte County K–12 students are invited to join the fun and festivities of the 20th Annual Paradise Chocolate Fest as we celebrate youth literacy!  The Paradise Chocolate Fest Young Authors Writing Contest encourages young writers to spark their creativity and develop their storytelling skills. This inspiring contest invites students to express themselves through the art of fiction, cultivating both confidence and a love for writing.

Contest Rules:

● Contest open to all Students K-12 throughout Butte County.

● Entries must include the word “Chocolate” in the story.

● Deadline to submit is May 1, 2025.  Mailed entries must be postmarked by May 1, 2025.

● All entries must be an original creation.

● Only one entry per person may be submitted.

● Age Categories:

K-1; 2-3; 4-5th grades (no minimum or maximum number of words; illustrations may be included.)

6-7-8; 9-10; 11-12th grades (500-2,000 words; entries must be typed; Font 12 point Times New Roman

or Arial; no illustrations.)

● A completed Entry Form must be paper clipped to each entry.

● Top of first page must include the Title of your story.Please, Do NOT put your name on your story.

(Your Name should be on Entry Form only, attached to your submission by paperclip.)

● All entrants under 18 years old are required to provide parent/guardian approval of their entry (see Entry Form).

● Be creative, be bold and have fun!

● Entries become the property of Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation, Inc. / Paradise Chocolate Fest and 

   may be included in an anthology of youth stories, benefiting Paradise Chocolate Fest youth groups in future years.

 

Judging:  Each story is judged on its literary merit as a short story including: story structure (plot, characters, and setting) style, grammar and creativity. Judging will be by a panel of local educators and community members.

Awards:  Contest results will be announced at Paradise Chocolate Fest, Saturday, May 10th at 11:00 am

on the Chocolate Fest’s Main Entertainment Stage.

● All entries will receive 2 Tickets to the Paradise Chocolate Fest.

● K-1; 2-3; 4-5th grades -

● 6-7-8; 9-10 grades -

First two runners-up will each be awarded $20 Barnes & Noble Gift Card.

● 11-12th grades

First two runners-up will each be awarded a $100.00 scholarship.

Submission Guidelines:

Mail entries to: Youth On the Ridge Community Foundation • PO Box 8188 • Chico, CA 95927

Since 2006, the Paradise Chocolate Fest has proudly distributed more than $420,000 to non-profit organizations that support youth on the Paradise Ridge.  These funds have helped provide vital educational, enrichment, recreation, and leadership opportunities for local young people. This year, seventeen youth-focused organizations will receive funding. Their programs include music and academic enrichment, summer camp and dance scholarships, youth leadership training, sports equipment, food bank support, vision screenings, updated technology, and much more.