Mask Mania: Sandpoint gives away all 3,000 masks

SANDPOINT — The city held their first drive-thru giveaway of masks at Travers Park Friday morning and all 3,000 masks were distributed in less than two hours.

Due to overwhelming community support, Sandpoint has ordered masks and plans to do another drive-thru event next Friday.

“It was fantastic,” Sandpoint Police Sgt. Steven Chamberlain said, one of the three officers working the event. “Everybody was supportive. They were grateful. They were thrilled that the city was taking steps to provide people with masks. It was a very positive atmosphere.”

Sandpoint prepared 600 packs that were given to 333 cyclists, cars and pedestrians. Although the city prepared two distribution times — 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — all masks were handed out by 9:45 a.m.

“We probably turned away between 30 and 50 cars after we ran out before 10 o’clock,” Chamberlain said. “It was busy.”

Chamberlain said the process was quick, where vehicles would enter east and drive out through the west entrance with little-to-no backup traffic.

Because it was a work day for most people, the city of Sandpoint set up two pick-up times.

“It doesn’t surprise me that all of them did get passed out, but I just was surprised that they were all given out in the morning group and there were none available in the afternoon,” Chamberlain said.

Participants were allowed to pick up bundles for their friends and family, resident or non-resident of Sandpoint.

Although a few businesses identified themselves, it was primarily individuals who showed up. “If they showed up and wanted a mask, we were providing masks,” he said.