Sweet charity: Downtown Rhinelander’s Taste of Chocolate event offers treats and prizes

Chocolate lovers in the Northwoods have a delicious new reason to explore downtown Rhinelander. The 2026 Taste of Chocolate fundraising event, launched on Jan. 26, invites residents and visitors to indulge their sweet tooth while supporting local businesses and community development.
Organized by Downtown Rhinelander Inc. (DRI) and sponsored by Nicolet National Bank and Da Bar, the event features specialty chocolate bars created in partnership with the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe. For just $5 per bar, participants can satisfy their chocolate cravings and contribute to downtown revitalization efforts.
“This is a large fundraiser for our Downtown organization,” said Bob Lueder, DRI President. “Visit our local businesses, purchase chocolate bars for family and friends and support your local businesses.”
Each $5 chocolate bar comes with more than exceptional taste. Hidden inside every wrapper is a ticket that could make purchasers instant winners of Downtown Bucks ranging from $5 to $20, or coupons redeemable at various participating businesses.
With only 1,200 chocolate bars available, the event creates an element of scarcity that adds to the excitement. But the real prize hunt centers around 12 Golden Tickets hidden among the chocolate bars. Lucky finders of these coveted tickets will be entered into a Grand Prize drawing for $300 in Downtown Bucks.

There’s no limit to how many chocolate bars customers can purchase, encouraging enthusiasts to visit multiple participating businesses in their quest for a Golden Ticket.
The Taste of Chocolate event serves a dual purpose: raising funds for DRI while driving foot traffic to downtown businesses during the typically slower winter months. By distributing chocolate bars across multiple participating locations, the event encourages residents to explore various shops and establishments they might not normally visit.
Chocolate bars will remain available through Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, or while supplies last—making them a perfect gift option for the holiday.
A complete list of participating businesses can be found on the Downtown Rhinelander Inc. Facebook page. For more information about the event, contact Lueder at Plane Parts Inc., (715) 420-0168.
Whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast, a bargain hunter hoping for a Golden Ticket, or simply someone who wants to support local community development, the Taste of Chocolate event offers something sweet for everyone in downtown Rhinelander.