The annual event, which started last Thursday, Jan. 21, encourages local foodies to share their experiences with WARA members with the chance of winning a prize. Debi Schaefer, director of WARA, said they weren’t sure the event would happen this year with the pandemic still happening. “Would we be seen as irresponsible if we promoted it during a pandemic?” Schaefer said. At the same time, local businesses have also been suffering because of the pandemic. So WARA decided to go ahead with Restaurant Week. This year, they promoted curbside pick-up and takeout options available among members. Schaefer added last year, 45 members participated in Restaurant Week. This year, 37 restaurants are taking part. She said she would have been thrilled if just 20 decided to join this year.