Let’s go shopping: Fall For Sandpoint pairs downtown retailers with area nonprofits

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff Writer

Want to support your local downtown retailers and area nonprofits at the same time? Grab your pocketbook and take a stroll downtown Saturday, Oct. 14, where the Sandpoint Shopping District has banded together with nonprofits for the annual Fall For Sandpoint event.

Over a dozen participating downtown retailers have chosen a regional nonprofit organization to pair with for a special day-long sale. The retailers will donate a portion of the day’s shopping proceeds to the sponsored nonprofit.

Shops along First Avenue in Sandpoint ready for the big Fall for Sandpoint sale next week. Photo by Ben Olson.

“Everyone is so busy over the summer,” said Deanna Harris, Sandpoint Shopping District member and owner of Sharon’s Hallmark. “When fall comes, it’s a nice chance to come back downtown and show some support for our retailers.”

Representatives for each nonprofit will also be on hand at their companion stores to answer any questions about how they serve the area. In addition to the sales, there will be a host of great activities for shoppers of all ages.

Those with kiddos can bring them to Creations in the Cedar St. Bridge for fun fall art activities. Other stores will feature product samples and refreshments. Count some goats and win a prize at Larson’s, or participate in a prize walk at Sharon’s Hallmark to win. Most activities take place between 11 a.m. And 3 p.m., but in-store sales are good throughout the day.

Pick up a passport at any participating retailer. Shoppers will receive stamps at each store (no purchase required), and if they gather at least eight stamps, they’ll be entered into a drawing for three prizes totaling $400 in local gift certificates.

Here is a list of participating retailers and their companion nonprofits:

Larson’s
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness

Great Stuff
Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper

Understory Coffee
Panhandle Animal Shelter

Zany Zebra
Bonner/Boundary Co. CASA

Alpine Shop
Panhandle Alliance for Education

Azalea’s Handpicked Style
Bonner Partners in Care Clinic

Cedar St. Bistro
Bonner Gospel Mission

Eve’s Leaves
Bonner Community Food Bank

Finan McDonald
Selle Valley Carden School

Meadowbrook
Special Olympics

Northwest Handmade
Sandpoint Community Resource Center

Outdoor Experience
Rock Creek Alliance

Santosha
Life Choices Pregnancy Center

Sharon’s Hallmark
Panida Theater

Zero Point
Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Eduction

La Chic Boutique
NAMI Far North