Local businesses came together to spread joy, laughter and chocolate to people for the Chocolate Decadence, which took place from 5-8 p.m. on Feb. 3 in downtown Pullman.

Businesses that participated in the event offered different types of chocolate and chocolate sweets to customers and visitors that came by their shops. Some businesses offered chocolate ice cream, cakes, bars, brownies and candy. Participating businesses included Neill’s Flowers, Palouse Country Candy, Sam Dial Jeweler and more.

The Downtown Pullman Association organized the event.

Bryce Ericson, B & L Bicycle store owner, said the event brought people around town together and represented downtown Pullman in a special way.

Ericson offered chocolate cake and candy to everyone that came into the store and said doing so was a sign of appreciation and welcoming to visitors who were interested in the event.

Businesses that participated in the event, Ericson said, were very welcoming and happy to share the chocolate they brought for the event.

The Chocolate Decadence has not been held since 2019 due to the pandemic, which has affected the majority of the businesses in downtown Pullman, said Ericson.

“It was a very tough time to go through, but it is great for the event to be back,” said Ericson. “We are really excited to see the event back again because it’s been gone during COVID times, it’s great to see a lot of people coming through for it.”

Neill’s Coffee & Ice Cream shop in downtown Pullman offered a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

Noshies, a wine store in downtown Pullman, offered chocolate bars. Brittany Brown, Noshies head sales associate, said the event was a cool idea and a lot of fun.

“I just love that we are able to bring the community together into this,” Brown said. “I have been around downtown Pullman for the past five years. I am very familiar with everything that goes around here, and I love these types of events because they really do bring communities together to help grow businesses.”

Multiple businesses also gave out wrapped letters with a chance of winning a golden ticket, which winners could turn in for an award depending on the business. If someone won a golden ticket at Glassphemy, a glass shop in downtown Pullman, they would get free merchandise.

Anshul Prakash, a WSU student who came to downtown Pullman for the event, said he enjoyed the creativity and designs of the business’ chocolates.

“I think there needs to be more publicity for the event because I feel like not a lot of people know about it,” Prakash said. “But once you find out about it, you get to see a lot of stores that you didn’t know exist.”