Downtown Coeur d’Alene will be hopping with lip-smacking mac and cheese lovers for the fifth annual Mac and Cheese Festival on Jan. 15, presented by the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association.

“I love that this event is not only a fun community event for people of all ages, but it's really fun to see our local chefs get creative and see what they come up with,” said Emily Boyd, the association's executive director.

Participants check in at the Plaza Shops on Sherman Avenue to receive their passports, then make their way through downtown, stopping for cheesy bites at each participating location.

Check-in for the lunch session runs between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and dinner session check-in is from 2 to 4 p.m. Serving runs from noon to 6 p.m.

“It really is a very community-oriented thing because we have local chefs producing local dishes and for the community to go out and enjoy,” Boyd said. “That's one of my favorite components.”

In past years, Boyd said they usually have 1,500 to 2,000 participants and about 15 participating chefs.

Participants get to vote for their favorite dish to help award the Golden Noodle.

Packages include a Kiddie Mac for kids 12 and under which includes three tasters for $12.

The Mac Pack includes six tasters for $25. The Mac and Beer package for 21 and over includes six mac and cheese tasters and eight beer tasters as well as a commemorative pint glass for $35.

Participants can also purchase a Mac Daddy package, which includes overnight accommodations at The Coeur d’Alene Resort and two mac and beer packages. Prices vary depending on room type. Those who purchase the Mac Daddy also check in at The Resort and bypass lines.

Tickets can be purchased at cdadowntown.com/mac and are available while supplies last. Package prices are for online purchase only. Door prices are subject to change if tickets are not sold out prior to the event date.

Local chefs can register to participate with a signature mac and cheese dish at cdadowntown.com/mac. Restaurants will receive a reimbursement based on number of attendees. All participating restaurants will need to complete the temporary health permit by Jan. 7.

Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises is also offering 90-minute mac and cheese dinner cruises on Jan. 14 at 4:30, 5, 7, and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $59.75 for adults, $55.75 for seniors 55 and up, $35.75 for kids ages 6 to 17. Ages 5 and under are free.