Summer sizzles at annual 'Sampler'
An employee with Panhandle Cone & Coffee waits for customers during a brief lull in the action at a past Summer Sampler.
(File photo/CAROLINE LOBSINGER)
SANDPOINT — Delicious food?
Check.
Summer vibe?
Check.
Music to make the day even more memorable?
Check.
All of the above at the same time and place? It must be time for the Summer Sampler, a community favorite featuring some of the region's best restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries.
The event is today from 5-7 p.m. at Farmin Park.
"Summer Sampler is always such a fun event," Mickey Quinn, the chamber's executive director, said. "I always enjoy bumping into people I haven’t seen since last summer."
Adding to the vibe is the event's location at the iconic Farmin Park.
"(The park) is such a lovely place, right in the heart of downtown," Quinn said. "It is especially fun to have the opportunity to try different dishes and beverages from different restaurants. I always ask my friends what the best thing was they tried so far. It helps me make my choice of what to sample next! You definitely want to be there early so you don’t miss out on an item that sells out."
The annual event is a partnership between the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the local businesses to kick off the summer season in Sandpoint, Quinn said.
The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Farmin Park. Live music will be provided by Cole and the Thornes, sponsored by TING and coordinated by Mattox Farm Productions. Tickets for samples of food and beverages are $1 each, with most items priced between three and nine tickets, depending on the item, Quinn said.
With every 10 tickets purchased, participants will receive one raffle ticket to enter a drawing for either a Lake Pend Oreille Cruise for two, or a pair of tickets to Blues Traveler with Justyn Priest as they kick off the Festival 2024 summer performance series.
Participating vendors are Barrel 33, alcohol and food; ConHnie's, alcohol and food; Crow’s Bench, Schweitzer, alcohol and food; The District, alcohol and food; Ivano’s, alcohol and food; MickDuff’s, alcohol; Pend d’Oreille Winery, alcohol; Smokesmith Bar-B-Que, food; Sweet Lou’s, food; and Trinity, food.
"Come out to see old friends, meet new ones, nibble and sip delicious samples, and enjoy the live music," Quinn said.