Welcome to First Thursdays

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Sandpoint is hopping these days, with a handful of new businesses joining tried-and-true retailers that have established a vibrant marketplace in downtown Sandpoint.

Photo by Ben Olson.

To help launch the summer season, the Historic Sandpoint Shopping District is offering the inaugural First Thursday Event Thursday, June 6, from 5-7 p.m. The event pairs two dozen local merchants with local restaurants for a night of shopping, tasty bites, live music, prizes, snacks and sips and children’s games.

While sampling some of the best our local eateries have to offer, shoppers can obtain a passport from any of the 24 participating retailers, which they will then have stamped at participating location. After obtaining at least 10 stamps, shoppers can turn in their completed passports to the Pend d’Oreille Winery, where an afterparty will take place from 7-9 p.m.

The drawing for $500 in prizes will commence at 7:15 p.m. Shoppers must be present to win.

There will be live music from 5-7 p.m. At three locations around Sandpoint: Stone Cloud 4 will play on the sidewalk of Church St. and First Ave. in front of Burl Wood Dreams, Ponderay Paradox will play in front of Cedar St. Bridge and Betsy Hammet will play at Outdoor Experience. The 219 Lounge will also have live music from 8-11 p.m. with Reverend Justin Hylton.

The afterparty kicks off at the Pend d’Oreille Winery from 7-9 p.m. with live music by Brian Jacobs and drink specials.

“This is a great way to kick off summer,” said Deanna Harris from Sharon’s Hallmark on First Ave. “There have been a lot of changes downtown, so we’re encouraging everyone to stop down and see us.”

For a list of participating retailers and restaurants, visit the Historic Downtown Shopping District’s Facebook page.