MINOT – Several businesses in downtown Minot offered a warm place and refreshments for the Coffee & Cocoa Crawl event this past Saturday.
Olivia Kimberlin, assistant manager of Gourmet Chef, said the event happens every year and most businesses downtown participate.
“It’s kind of like an open house,” Kimberlin described. “So they open their doors, we offer specials on products, and it’s a really fun way for the community to come together, especially when it’s so cold outside. When we’re stuck outside it’s a good way to get out into the community.”
Ten different businesses on Main Street participated this year. Attendees paid $10 a ticket to have unlimited samples and refreshments that varied from hot beverages to food items.
“All kinds of fun stuff,” said Kimberlin.
Kimberlin made a Mexican spiced hot chocolate for people to try.
“It’s a little thicker than traditional hot chocolate, and it’s really, really comforting, especially on such a cold day,” said Kimberlin.
Kimberlin also handed out cinnamon sugar cookies, which she described as a Mexican wedding cookie dipped in cinnamon and sugar.
“They’re delicious,” said Kimberlin. “They’re very, very good. It’s been really a trial to not eat all of them. We always have a really fun time at the Cocoa Crawl.”
Olga Alicea, attendee, said she is originally from Texas but moved to Minot two years ago because her husband is in the Air Force.
“We love shopping downtown,” said Alicea. “We’re excited about this Coffee Crawl because we are big coffee drinkers.”
