It’s Crazy Days

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

It’s about to get crazy in downtown Sandpoint. The annual sidewalk sale known as Crazy Days will transform the business corridor on Saturday, July 27 into a bargain-hunter’s paradise. With many of the more than 30 participating businesses opening early at 8 a.m., it’s a great time to support your local retailers.

The annual sale, sponsored by the Sandpoint Shopping District, has been a mainstay in town for six decades, said Hallmark’s Deanna Harris.

“I moved here in ’67 and it was happening then,” Harris said. “It was a big deal, man. People were lined up. Dick Larson [owner of Larson’s] said the sale went back as long as he can remember, so it’s been close to 60 years.”

Harris said the annual sidewalk sale is a great way to support local merchants and celebrate the kickoff to summer.

“It appeals to both locals and tourists,” Harris said. “There are sales everywhere, all along the sidewalks.”

One highlight of the event is the Panida Theater’s “Play it Again” sale featuring records, CDs, DVDs, VHS, cassettes, stereo equipment, audiobooks, music books and more. This year, the money the Panida earns from its Crazy Days sale will benefit the Laurel Wagers/Panida Theater Music Scholarship.

There’s no cost to participate in Crazy Days and all participating merchants will have enticing sales on display outside their storefronts. Grab the family and head down to support local retailers for this year’s Crazy Days.