Young Authors Writing Contest
Butte County K–12. Theme word: Chocolate. Deadline April 15, 2026.
Download 2026 application (PDF)
Rules
- Open to K–12 students in Butte County. One original entry per person. No AI.
- The story must include the word “Chocolate.”
- Deadline April 15, 2026 (postmark). Paper-clip the entry form; do not put your name on the story.
- K–5: no word limit; illustrations OK. 6–12: 500–2,000 words, typed, 12-pt Times New Roman or Arial, no illustrations.
- Entrants under 18 need parent/guardian approval on the form.
- Entries become property of Youth on the Ridge Community Foundation / Paradise Chocolate Fest and may appear in a youth anthology.
Judging & awards
Local educators and community members judge plot, character, setting, style, grammar, and creativity. Results: Saturday, May 9, 11:30 am, main stage.
- Every entry: 2 Fest tickets
- K–5: 1st and two runners-up — $20 Barnes & Noble gift card
- 6–10: 1st — $40 gift card; two runners-up — $20
- 11–12: 1st — $200 scholarship; two runners-up — $100 scholarship
Mail: Youth On the Ridge Community Foundation · PO Box 8188 · Chico, CA 95927 · 530-342-4896 · info@chocolatefest.us