Earlier this year I told you a story about Melanie and Craig McDougall of Frostings Cupcakery. This local couple was preparing for a wedding trade show, but I explained [Sweet!, March 5, Langley Advance] how the idea emerged for a new, unique, colourful, and even tasty bakery in the centre of downtown Langley City.

Well, now I'm back telling you about some happenings involving this said bakery, including commenting on a giant cupcake they towed along the main street of town last weekend during the Langley Community Day parade.

While that's all fun, there's something even bigger being planned by Melanie and Craig for this weekend.

The Brookswood couple is celebrating one year in business, and they're doing so with a big party - yes, I do expect mini cupcakes and coffee to be served.

Frosting turns one, and is hosting a celebration from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 27.

The festivities, being held at the store, 20226 Fraser Hwy., will feature past Canadian Idol hopeful Greg Neufeld of Abbotsford, performing around 2:30 p.m.

The McDougalls are also promising lots of prizes and surprises throughout the day, including a hockey skills demonstration by members of the Langley Chiefs.

This weekend's party is also an excuse for the business to celebrate another first.

Last Sunday, they entered the Vancouver's first ever cupcake challenge.

"To our surprise, we walked away with two of the three awards," Melanie said. "One was from the judges, for the best cupcake [Neapolitan], and one was from the consumers, as best people's choice."

That's quite a first year for this new business, which grew out of Melanie's passion for cake decorating.

CARING FOR THE KIDS

Staff at CKF Inc. in Langley deserve some huge pats on the back.

The company that brings us Royal Chinet tableware, and is the biggest manufacturer of single-use plates in the country, has earned a unique distinction.

Its 200 or so employees at the Langley plant surpassed its previous record of days without lost time accidents.

In celebration, the crew was given a choice.

They could pick their reward: enjoy a subsized shift lunches, receive corporate logo clothing, or make a donation to a charity of their choice.

They chose kindness, giving the $500 reward, plus another $500 or so from year-round pop bottle collections, to the BC Children's Hospital.

"We are proud of our CKF employees and their generosity," said human resources spokesperson Teri George.

rhooper@langleyadvance.com