With the Sandpoint Winter Carnival beginning Thursday with the annual Taste of Sandpoint, we kick off our late winter season of happenings.
One thing that was glaring this year was how many North Idaho communities dropped event after event. Every month I update the www.SandpointID.net/calendar.html events calendar. Unlike other calendars, I try to include other areas, such as Hayden, Priest Lake, and Schweitzer Mountain. As I updated from last year, I began to notice that other small towns, and even Schweitzer and Stoneridge Golf community were dropping annual music events and activities like crazy. I understand. Times are tough and revenues are down. Perhaps they will start them again as our economy improves. Maybe not.
One thing I know is that Sandpoint has not taken the same road. Last year, when the Sandpoint Chamber decided to drop the Winter Carnival after 34 years, Steve Meyer from Pend d'Oreille Winery took point. Then, lucky for us, Tawny Sleeps stepped in, and though I did a lot, without her, we would not have had a carnival.
This year, many of the same participants came back, and we again have this great community party.
That is what makes Sandpoint different. That is what makes Sandpoint special. Sure, we have spectacular natural beauty, but it is the people and these wonderful events that sets Sandpoint apart.
Times are tough, and many places are suffering, but we haven't stopped doing all of the great things that makes the national press take notice years after year after year.
If you went to see our boys play in the state football championship game at the Kibbie Dome, you get the picture: Sandpoint is a community that doesn't give up.
Comments(0)