Cupcake Camp OC 2011 results

photo by Mary Bell

My best-friend, Alex, and I attended Cupcake Camp OC 2011 last weekend. It's a must attend if you're a cupcake enthusiast!  

I'll admit ~ I'm not as big of a cupcake enthusiast as Alex, but I still enjoyed the excitement of the event.  I was most impressed with the variety of cupcakes.  

Each baker averaged 2-4 different flavors; and there were around 20+ amateur and professional bakers. So there were quite a few cupcakes to choose from.  
  
As a guest, you're given a certain number of "cupcake tickets."   One cupcake ticket is equivalent to 1 regular-size or two mini-cupcakes.  Although Alex and I only had 6 tickets each ~ we had more than enough to sample!! 

Dolce Vista Sweets and Treats

photo by Mary Bell

The Frosted Boutique

photo by Mary Bell

There were flavor combinations like chocolate & chili, caramel snickers & Jack Daniels, Merlot & chocolate, sweet potato & vanilla, Captain Crunch cereal & vanilla . . . just to name a few. 

photo by Mary Bell

Our favorite was the Caramelicious cupcake, which also happened to win the 1st place ribbon at this year's OC Fair Cupcake Classic.  

Overall, we had a great time! Everyone was friendly, volunteers and guests alike. While sitting in the foyer sampling our many cupcakes, we met and visited with one of the judges ~ Lucy ~ and her mom. Young Lucy is also a big cupcake enthusiast!  

Everyone enjoyed free entertainment headed up by a DJ, as well as a fun dress-up photo booth.  The event also provided free water, milk, and coffee ~ so be sure and enjoy a beverage while you're sampling!  

Here are a few tips if you haven't been to a Cupcake Camp, and plan to attend one in the future . . .  

Purchase a VIP ticket

~

Arrive at least 20-30 minutes early

~

Leave your purse and other belongings in the car, 

as it is a challenge to carry a tray(s) full of cupcakes 

while navigating amidst and through hundreds of people.  

~

Bring a large tray, Tupperware, or bin of your own to carry cupcakes, as the ones provided at the event are quite small.

~

As you're walking along the tables,

decide which cupcakes you want to sample - as you go, 

because if you're indecisive they

may not be there later when you return.

~

Pace yourself to avoid an upset stomach!

~

Bring your patience!

The entrance and cupcake lines are long!

~

And finally . . . have fun!!

~ happy attendees ~

photo by Mary Bell

photo by Mary Bell

~ so many cupcake enthusiasts ~

photo by Mary Bell

~ long lines! ~

photo by Mary Bell

~ notice the large Tupperware bins ~

They've obviously done this before!

photo by Mary Bell

Drum roll, please . . . 

Here are this year's winners!

1st prize for Most OC

~ Bubba Sweets ~

Chocolate Salted Caramel

2nd prize for Most OC

~ Hollicakes ~

Chocolate Orange

Alex and I left Cupcake Camp OC feeling inspired!  

So we've decided to sign up for next year's competition!