By Ben Olson
Reader Staff Writer
Want to support your local downtown retailers and area nonprofits at the same time? Grab your pocketbook and take a stroll downtown Saturday, Oct. 14, where the Sandpoint Shopping District has banded together with nonprofits for the annual Fall For Sandpoint event.
Over a dozen participating downtown retailers have chosen a regional nonprofit organization to pair with for a special day-long sale. The retailers will donate a portion of the day’s shopping proceeds to the sponsored nonprofit.
Shops along First Avenue in Sandpoint ready for the big Fall for Sandpoint sale next week. Photo by Ben Olson.
“Everyone is so busy over the summer,” said Deanna Harris, Sandpoint Shopping District member and owner of Sharon’s Hallmark. “When fall comes, it’s a nice chance to come back downtown and show some support for our retailers.”
Representatives for each nonprofit will also be on hand at their companion stores to answer any questions about how they serve the area. In addition to the sales, there will be a host of great activities for shoppers of all ages.
Those with kiddos can bring them to Creations in the Cedar St. Bridge for fun fall art activities. Other stores will feature product samples and refreshments. Count some goats and win a prize at Larson’s, or participate in a prize walk at Sharon’s Hallmark to win. Most activities take place between 11 a.m. And 3 p.m., but in-store sales are good throughout the day.
Pick up a passport at any participating retailer. Shoppers will receive stamps at each store (no purchase required), and if they gather at least eight stamps, they’ll be entered into a drawing for three prizes totaling $400 in local gift certificates.
Here is a list of participating retailers and their companion nonprofits:
Larson’s
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness
Great Stuff
Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper
Understory Coffee
Panhandle Animal Shelter
Zany Zebra
Bonner/Boundary Co. CASA
Alpine Shop
Panhandle Alliance for Education
Azalea’s Handpicked Style
Bonner Partners in Care Clinic
Cedar St. Bistro
Bonner Gospel Mission
Eve’s Leaves
Bonner Community Food Bank
Finan McDonald
Selle Valley Carden School
Meadowbrook
Special Olympics
Northwest Handmade
Sandpoint Community Resource Center
Outdoor Experience
Rock Creek Alliance
Santosha
Life Choices Pregnancy Center
Sharon’s Hallmark
Panida Theater
Zero Point
Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Eduction
La Chic Boutique
NAMI Far North
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Coming up this week! Don’t miss out on Online Auctions, Purse Parties, Parties, Craft Fairs, and more! See the full list of events in the 
