Chocolate, anyone?

Sweet tooths and sweethearts will be wandering through downtown Coeur d’Alene, sipping wine and nibbling on chocolates during the annual Chocolate Affair on Feb. 11.

“There’s a wide assortment from classic homemade chocolate chip cookies to chocolate whipped mousses topped with bacon,” said Emily Boyd, executive director of the event host, the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association.

“You get a wide arrangement, from classic to crazy I guess you could say,” Boyd said.

Boyd said the event has been going on for over 10 years and has grown and changed. Originally it began as a small shopping event wherein businesses provided little treats, but it grew into a competition.

Boyd estimated between 15 to 25 chocolatiers will participate in the 2022 Chocolate Affair, whipping up their treats for the exclusive event.

She said many businesses, such as bakeries and ice cream shops, will create their own chocolates. Some businesses will bring in outside chocolatiers or partners for the event.

The event is more exclusive so participants can enjoy themselves, sip on wine, taste chocolate and do some shopping, Boyd said. Under 1,000 tickets will be sold.

Participants will check in at The Resort Plaza Shops, where they will receive a map and tasting tickets. Check in starts at 3:30 p.m., though participants can check in anytime during the event. The tasting runs from 4-7 p.m.

Participants can also vote for their favorite chocolate to be awarded the People’s Choice Award.

“February is a great month to have a Galentine’s event or go out with your girlfriends, go on a date night,” Boyd said. “It’s fun to get out and shop and spend time together.”

Tickets are $20 for just chocolate tasting. Tickets for chocolate and wine are $30 each.

For those interested in being a site host or chocolatier, registration is due Feb. 2. Register at form.jotform.com/220196841846058.