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!
