The holidays may be over, but just because it’s January doesn’t mean there aren’t fun – and tasty - events happening in the Coeur d’Alene area which offer a bit of a distraction from the challenging weather.

Macaroni and cheese is often a favorite childhood food. It’s being celebrated at the annual Mac and Cheese Festival at The Coeur d’Alene Resort today from noon to 5 p.m. Those attending can sample a wide variety of mac-and-cheese recipes made by chefs competing for the Golden Noodle Award. Tasters can also vote for their favorite version to win the People’s Choice Trophy.

Restaurants participating in the contest include Paragon Brewing, Iron Pizza, Drumming Up BBQ Catering, Cosmic Cowboy Grill, Calypsos Coffee Roaster, Sweet Lou’s, Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery, and Beverly’s.

Most advance ticket packages have sold out, but two options remain. The Mac and Beer package for those aged 21 and over includes six Mac and Cheese tastes and eight craft beer tastings. The Mac and Beer Package also comes with a commemorative pint glass. Extra Mac and Cheese tickets will be available at the door. Visit Cdadowntown.com/mac-cheese-festival for more information.

The third annual Coeur d’Alene Food and Wine Festival is also coming up and makes for a good pre-Valentine’s Day event for couples. It will run Feb. 7 to 9 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The three-day event is filled with cooking classes, wine and whiskey tastings, dinners and more.

The festival’s ticketed events include an opening reception and a wine dinner at Beverly’s Restaurant on Feb. 7. Special events on Feb. 8 include a Perfect Pairing Wine Class, two different three course wine-paired lunches and two dinners.

The schedule for Sunday, Feb. 9 includes a Grand Tasting event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Convention Center. It includes wine tasting stations, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and chef demonstrations. The featured guest is Bravo tv’s Top Chef Chad White. Tickets for the Grand Tasting event are $52. Tickets for the other main events range from $25 to $225. Tickets and information available at Cdaresort.com or (855) 703-4648.

Those making plans for their big day can check out the annual Bridal Festival at the Blackwell Hotel at 820 E. Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene on Jan. 26. A wide variety of wedding-related vendors will be on hand from noon to 6 p.m. and people can take the opportunity to sample food and beverages. There will be door prizes, a photo booth and giveaways. Admission to the bridal festival is free.

Hospice of North Idaho will host its 35th annual Hospice Wine Taste fundraiser from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The black-tie event features a live auction, silent auction, wine, gourmet appetizers, games and prizes.

Among the items up for bid in the live auction is a Holland America Cruise Line ocean view cruise for two and a luxury condo on Roatan Island in the Caribbean.

Tickets to the event are $125 and pre-paid game chips are available for $25. Game chips will also be available on site the night of the event. Tickets and information at Bit.ly/36QNjPk or (208) 772-7994.

There’s not much gardening to be done this time of year, but you can start planning by stopping by the Coeur d’Alene Public Library from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 for a seed swap. People are invited to bring seeds purchased or collected from their gardens to trade with other local growers. It’s a good chance to try new seed varieties. Local gardeners will speak about how to collect and preserve seeds for those who want to learn. The library is located at 702 E. Front Ave.