Pure goodness

COEUR d’ALENE — This town has a love affair with the Chocolate Affair.

The annual tribute to all things chocolate scheduled Saturday is, once again, sold out. The last of around 1,000 tickets were snapped up last week. 

“It’s a great event to get out as a date night or for Valentine’s Day," said Emily Boyd, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, which organizes the celebration. “It’s a fun experience and a chance to shop and explore downtown.”

The Chocolate Affair, described as Coeur d’Alene’s premier chocolate-tasting event and competition, is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday. 

Tickets, $20 include a bite-sized gourmet chocolate treat at each tasting of more than 15 locations, with the option to add wine tasting for another $10.

Check-in will be at The Resort Plaza Shops.

Businesses will be offering entertainment, prizes and special deals.

Mix it Up Home has live music from 2 to 5 p.m. by Riley Anderson; Heaven on Earth Reflexology and Massage is offering complimentary three-minute hand massages with your chocolate and Grace and Joy is doing a Valentine's Day gift basket giveaway 

While the Chocolate Affair is sold out, which it has usually done since it was founded more than a decade ago, there is a waitlist and sometimes tickets are returned, opening up spots.

Info: cdadowntown.com/cda

Meanwhile, the inaugural Winter Lights wrapped up its 10-day run Sunday. Boyd said it went well in attracting more people downtown at a generally slower time of the year. 

It features a tunnel of lights, doors that when opened show different video displays and decorated downtown shops.

Boyd said they learned what to tweak for next time and are planning to make it an annual event.