By Reader Staff
Organizers of the Monarch and Friends Festival, which took place Aug. 29 in Sandpoint’s Granary District, extended a lengthy thank-you to all those who made the gathering a success.
“The Monarch and Friends Festival met its mission to celebrate Sandpoint becoming a Monarch City USA, and educating everyone about ways we can help,” stated representatives of the Pend Oreille Chapter of the Master Naturalists and the Mighty Monarch Conservation Group, which put on the event. “Everyone should be so proud.”
Among the organizations, businesses and individuals who participated — including hosting interactive booths — were the Idaho Conservation League, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness; East Bonner County Library District; Sarah Sweet, demonstrating milkweed fiber weaving; University of Idaho entomologists Luc Leblanc and Samuel Degray and Emily Hasz, of UI’s Idaho STEM Ecosystem; WingsRising; Earthcare; Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society; beekeeper Randy Wilhelm; Trout Unlimited; Selkirk Conservation Alliance; Dark Sky; Cedar Mt. Perennials; Idaho Master Naturalists; Monarch Montessori; and Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters and Matchwood Brewing Company hosted the space and donated a portion of proceeds. Food vendors included Molly’s Ice Cream and music was provided by local band Harold’s IGA.
Organizers thanked the city of Sandpoint, as well as the Community Assistance League — the latter for a grant that funded much of the event.
In addition, dozens of volunteers offered their time and energy to help plan and deliver the festival, which drew hundreds of participants throughout the day.
“The list was so long, and so many people offered assistance during the event,” organizers stated. “[T]here is hope through action. Please plant native host plants and milkweed. The monarchs will return.”
For more info, go to idfg.idaho.gov/master-naturalist/chapter/pend-oreille or mightymonarchs.org.
