Panida screening of Sandpoint: At the North End of the Long Bridge celebrates the town’s 125th anniversary

By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff

It’s been 125 years since Sandpoint was incorporated on Feb. 7, 1901, and the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum is celebrating with a special screening of Sandpoint: At the North End of the Long Bridge on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.).

The project of Academy Award-winning cinematographer and late-beloved local resident Erik Daarstad, the documentary explores Sandpoint’s history from the prehistoric days of the region to the city’s centennial in 2001, when the film was released. Along the way, Sandpoint: At the North End of the Long Bridge features interviews with some of the community’s then-oldest living members with deep roots, as well as profiles of scores of other people, places and events that make — and made — Sandpoint home.

The film is both a love letter to a special town in its own time and, 25 years after its initial release, is itself a record through which longtime residents can reflect on what life was like here at the turn of the 21st century. Sharp-eyed viewers will recognize many familiar faces — some then still in their youth and others who have since left us, but aren’t forgotten.

“Whether you’re new to town or were born here, this film will remind you why this is home,” organizers stated.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the two-hour film starts at 3 p.m. The event also features an intermission and a raffle, presented by the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum and the Panida. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $6.50 for youths 12 and under, available at the door or panida.org.