By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff
Ah, fall in Sandpoint. The streets are lined in fiery bright colors, the smell of cooling earth and warm coffee drinks fills the air and empty parking spaces abound.
Alright, all joking aside, I don’t mind a little breathing room downtown when the summer months wind down, but I sure love seeing everyone come out in droves to support local businesses even as the visitors head home. Luckily there are a few fall-themed events gracing the Sandpoint area this weekend that make for great opportunities to keep the town alive while the leaves do their pretty dying thing.
Harvest Fest w/ the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market @ Farmin Park
A colorful fall arrangement of vegetables at the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market Wednesday.
Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Farmers’ Market season is officially coming to a close with Harvest Fest, meant to celebrate the last of what the growing season had to offer. Browne Salmon — performing as a duo for the event — will take the stage 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Other activities include kids’ fall crafts and a Customer Appreciation Raffle from 10-11 a.m. Enjoy an extra hour of opportunity to purchase all the market’s local goodies, since the market is normally only open until 1 p.m.
Oktoberfest @ Beet and Basil
Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The second annual Beet and Basil Oktoberfest is on tap for this weekend, bringing German street food and beer, live music by The Wow Wows from noon to 1:30 p.m. and Harold’s IGA from 1:30-3 p.m., oversized games, a kids’ area, raffles and giveaways to downtown Sandpoint. The restaurant is partnering with Bonner County Homeless Transitions for the event. Admission is free, but bring a can of food to be entered to win dinner for two at Beet and Basil.
“Fall” for Sandpoint 2018 @ downtown businesses
Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Barn dancers at the Dover Bay Homestead Barn. Courtesy photos.
The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts this event to draw attention to local non-profits. Businesses are paired with a nonprofit, and each location holds activities or offers a percentage of proceeds to benefit their non-profit. Bring the whole family along and fill out a passport — visit five locations and be entered to win a prize, visit 10 locations and be entered into the grand prize drawing. Passports can be found at any participating retailer and must be turned in by 5 p.m. the day of the event. Find a complete list of participating retailers and non-profits on the Facebook event: “”FALL for Sandpoint 2018.”
Angels Over Sandpoint Fall Frolic @ Dover Bay Homestead Barn
Oct. 13, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Get down to the Miah Kohal Band to benefit the Angels Over Sandpoint at their Fall Frolic Barn Dance. There will be an auction and no-host bar, as well as food from the Twisted Kilt Black Iron Grill. Find tickets, which are $20, at Eve’s Leaves, Eichardt’s or at the door on Saturday.
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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 
