Festival is a vibrant and wonderful asset

Take a 27-year-tradition of incredible music that bridges generation gaps, brings in millions of dollars to our town’s economy (along with so much more that benefits us), and what do you get? Someone who finds fault and complains, of course!

What started as a small classical music festival has evolved into a world-class celebration of cross-sectional music where people of all ages gather to meet with friends and neighbors. It has awarded tens of thousands of dollars to local students pursuing a future in music or dance, given schools and non-profits a means to raise funds on Festival Street and provided nearly 100 regional students with rental assistance to the tune of more than $20,000 this school year. The Festival’s Outreach Program will distribute approximately 1,800 free tickets to the family and grand finale concerts to all Bonner and Boundary County fifth-grade students. Ask the hotels, rental businesses, shops and restaurants what Festival time means to them, as yes, it is more than music to our town.

I believe Maestro Gary Sheldon would disagree that the finale theme is considered “ridiculous,” rather one meant to bridge classical and jazz heritage and features one of the finest clarinet players in the world. Symphonic music comes in many forms, and I look forward to hearing another fabulous season of it. Congratulations to the Festival Board and staff for bringing to Sandpoint another stellar lineup, exceeding our expectations in these tough economic times. 

Viva “Las Vegas of North Idaho!”

KATHY CHAMBERS

Sandpoint