May 10, 2026, marks 121 years since Anna Jarvis began her campaign to make Mother’s Day an official U.S. holiday, and 112 years since President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation that secured her goal. Jarvis spoke out against the later commodification of the holiday, arguing that it was a day to honor and spend time with mothers above all.
Nowadays, it’s hard to separate the presents from the holiday, which most mothers don’t mind. Still, there are a few events in Sandpoint that go beyond the traditional cards and chocolates, allowing families to connect and celebrate the important women in their lives.
Saturday, May 9
• The day before Mother’s Day, Barrel 33 will celebrate the holiday with brunch and a fashion show featuring styles from Bella Terra Boutique. Tickets include one drink or bottomless mimosas, one item from the brunch menu and front-row seats to the fashion show, so everyone can enjoy the latest styles. The event, held in the main room at Barrel 33 (100 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint), will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with tickets available at bit.ly/33Brunch for $35 per person.
Photo by Guille Pozzi
Sunday, May 10
• Aster Garden Center (924 Superior St., in Sandpoint) will host Mother’s Day Tea and Flowers, an afternoon gathering amid the organization’s blooming garden. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees will enjoy tea, coffee and treats while taking advantage of the one-day specials on dahlia bulbs, potted dahlias and everything else in bloom.
Experienced grower Freya Jesen will also lead a hands-on workshop on how to properly plant and care for flowers in the garden. Visit astergarden.org to learn more about this free gathering.
• Over in Pine Street Woods, the Mothership Collective encourages moms and families to come together from 2-5 p.m. for Pedals > Petals. Find community while walking or biking the extensive trail network, or hang out and chat by the Outdoor Recreation Center (11915 W. Pine St., in Sandpoint). The area will be set up with snacks, music and glittery crafts for hours of fun for all ages. Visit bit.ly/PineStreetPedals for more information.
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Sandpoint in Pictures
Filmmaker Jimmy Matlosz of the Idaho Film Company has made a series of mini documentaries about influential Sandpoint locals, including the late Dann Hall and Erik Daarstad as well as icons Diane Michaels and Dan Shook. He is currently working on a series of interviews connected to the history of the Panida Theater. Jimmy is a 30-year veteran filmmaker who's work can be seen at dpmatlosz.com.
Meet the Reader
Ever wonder who makes the Reader happen? Here's a behind-the-scenes look pieced together by summer 2017 intern McCalee Cain in which Ben, Cameron and Lyndsie explain what exactly about the Reader keeps them coming back to their shabby (but well-loved) office each week.
