Merchants, charities join to 'Spring for Sandpoint'

Sandpoint earned the distinction “America’s Most Beautiful Small Town” a few years back. But that’s only half the story. Sandpoint is an amazingly giving small town with hundreds of non-profit organizations that provide important human services, promote the arts, entertainment and recreation, and safeguard the quality of our environment.

Sandpoint’s downtown is an integral part of the support for many of these organizations. This year’s Spring for Sandpoint event is no different. Sandpoint downtown merchants have teamed with local charities to bring you Spring for Sandpoint on Saturday, April 22. Participating retailers are each teaming with a local non-profit and will be donating part of the day’s shopping proceeds. Representatives from local charities will be on hand to answer your questions and show you how they serve our community.

Get in on activities for kids, food and drink sampling, and product demonstrations. Make a seed bomb at Zero Point and much more at over 20 participating merchants. Most activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but in-store specials will be available throughout the day.

Enter to win a passel of local gift certificates. Just pick up a passport at any participating retailer. Visit stores and get your passport stamped. Eight stamps is all it takes to enter the drawing for three prizes totaling $500 in local gift certificates. Winners will be chosen on Monday, April 24.

April 22 is Earth Day. A number of businesses have teamed with non-profits focused on protecting, enhancing or enjoying the natural beauty of our environment. For example, you’ll find Kaniksu Land Trust at Larson’s, Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper will be represented at Great Stuff, Ol’ Red’s Pub is teaming with Trout Unlimited, and Pend d’Oreille Pedalers can be found at Sharon’s Hallmark.

Spring for Sandpoint is a fun way to celebrate our community by shopping locally to give locally. All donations raised during Spring for Sandpoint stay in our community. Purchases made at local retail stores also support our community by providing jobs and local tax revenue and by creating a vibrant, attractive downtown.

For additional information check posters around town and look on retailers’ Facebook pages or the Sandpoint Shopping District Facebook page.