Festival named chamber's top business for August

| August 5, 2008 9:00 PM

SANDPOINT — The Festival at Sandpoint was named Business of the Month by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

As a nonprofit organization, the Festival at Sandpoint commemorates its 26th year with its internationally renowned summer concert starting Aug. 7.

The Festival started in 1983 and year after year brings tourism dollars to the greater Sandpoint community while also providing top-notch musical entertainment for all to enjoy. In addition the Festival provides multiple opportunities for youth to learn about music. The fift grade outreach program is a community-based educational program offered in both Bonner and Boundary counties with school performances and free tickets to over 800 students and their families to attend the Festival’s Grand Finale symphony concert.

The Festival also has an instrumental assistance program to help repair and provide new instruments to the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

"The Sandpoint region is blessed to have this award-winning festival in our community. Their contributions to the arts, music education and appreciation, and to our local economy are valued beyond words,” said Chamber Executive Director Amy Little.

The Chamber wishes to thank the Festival for all the contributions it gives to the community and encourages the general public to support this nonprofit organization by attending the Festival at Sandpoint held at Memorial Field from August 7 to 17.

Opening night festivities begin with Smokey Robinson with special guest Chic Gamine. Other top-notch musical talent performing include Brett Dennen, Donavon Frankenreiter, Richie Furay Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Pure Prairie League, The Spokane Youth Orchestra, The BoDeans with The Waifs, Ziggy Marley with special guest Children of the Revolution, Wynonna with Bomshel and special guests New Jack and the Rippers, and The Spokane Symphony Orchestra.

To learn more about the Festival at Sandpoint, call (888) 265.4554 or (208) 265-4554 or visit www.FestivalAtSandpoint.com.