Get Your Tickets For 'Lollipop-A-Palooza'

Next Sunday, Nov. 6, JohnstonPatch Mom's Council founding member will look to uphold Rhode Island's reputation as host of a "Top Foodie City" at the second annual Lollipop-A-Palooza, featuring six Rhode Island confectioners competing for top honors.

The contest, with the theme "Love, Peace, and Lollipops," is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. NBC10's Barbara Morse is the master of ceremonies for the event.

“The only direction we’ve given the competitors is 'anything sweet on a stick,'" explained Corcoran, the founder of Familytopia. "Last year’s competitors blew us away with their displays and concoctions — we can’t wait to see what this year’s competition has dreamed up.”

Chocolate Dreams of Coventry, last year's winner, will seek to defend their title after last year's “Frosty and Friends” marshmallow pops won the inaugural competition. (See a feature on .

Other businesses to compete include town rivals and of East Greenwich, of Peace Dale, and Emma’s Edibles of Warwick.

Corcoran spoke about her inspiration for the contest during a recent phone interview.

"I was participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training program [two years ago], and you need to raise a certain amount of money in order to do that — initially, I was thinking that I wanted to do this event to raise the money that was needed for the leukemia  and lymphoma society's research," Corcorn explained. "The other thing that I'd been looking for was a way that I could give families and kids an opportinity to get together do something fun, while also learning that they can actually help the community while they do this."

This year, all proceeds from the contest will go to support Friend's Way, a bereavement center for children and their families.

Corporate sponsors including Aim High, The Children's Workshop, Tutor Doctor, Teamworks, and Rock Spot are scheduled to have tables at the event and offer activities and other fun for kids.

The Toe Jam Puppet Band is also scheduled to play two sets — one during the contest and one after the announcement of the winner — and a special, secret guest will make an appearance to take photos with attendees.

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased online through Familytopia's PayPal ordering page. Only e-tickets (available by printing the ticket from the site) will be accepted at the event.

Deadline for ticket sales in Friday — so place your order soon!