2025 Annual Report

FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT

2025 ANNUAL REPORT

FISCAL YEAR: OCTOBER 2024 - SEPTEMBER 2025

OUR mission: To be a community catalyst for arts, culture, and education ABOUT Founded in 1982, the Festival at Sandpoint is a non-profit organization that has hosted an annual summer concert series for over 40 years. The Summer Series spans 8 to 10 nights during July and the beginning of August and takes place at War Memorial Field. These outdoor concerts on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille feature a variety of genres such as country, pop, rock, folk, reggae, and movies-inconcert. In addition to the world-renowned talent headlining the shows, the Summer Series also often showcases local musicians as openers or at the Community Night performance.

vision

Through the medium of music we will unite people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and belief systems and help our community connect, cooperate and care for each other

music for all

The Festival at Sandpoint is committed to making diversity, equity, and inclusion part of everything we do, from the music that graces our stage, to our youth music education programs, to the talent that makes up our workforce. Just like the medium of music, we strive to unite people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and belief systems and help our community connect, cooperate and care for each other. Music is for all and we are committed to leveraging our unique non-profit organization to help create positive change.

300+ concerts 42 years of music $54K scholarships awarded since 2009

president’s message

Season’s greetings to our Festival community. This year brought incredible momentum across all of our education and outreach efforts. From our free instrument library that puts real instruments into the hands of students, to classroom visits, youth workshops, and community performances, more young people than ever were able to explore music, create, and connect. Their excitement and growth continue to inspire everything we do.

I also want to celebrate our remarkable staff whose passion, creativity, and dedication bring these programs to life and keep our summer concert series thriving. Their work strengthens our mission every single day.

Thank you to our supporters, volunteers, artists, and Board for helping us build a bright and joyful future. We cannot wait to welcome you back next summer for another unforgettable season.

Happy Holidays!

BEN HIGGS Board President

board of directors Ben Higgs, President

Chris Blanford, Vice President Doug Hawkins Jr., Treasurer Sarah Pillsbury, Secretary Cale Kanack Hali Karr Marcella Nelson Amber Remillard Bea Speakman

staff

Madison Canale

Programming Manager

Darra Collison

Development & Community Engagement Coordinator

Paul Gunter

Production & Education Manager

Tess Howell

Director of Finance & Development

Veronica Knowlton

Director of Operations

Cienna Roget

Marketing & Communications Manager

2025 CONTRIBUTORS

We would like to recognize the following organizations and individuals who generously supported our mission this year.

Special Recognition

A huge thank you to Marc and Vicki Brinkmeyer, who provided an impactful contribution of $60,000 on behalf of the employees of Idaho Forest Group.

Contributions like this make it possible to bring artists, including Brothers Osborne, Kansas, Sierra Ferrell, and Toad the Wet Sprocket, to Sandpoint.

They also recognize the Festival's mission of yearround music education and the overall economic impact it has on the region. Idaho Forest Group's mission is “to enhance the lives and livelihoods of our employees, customers, partners, and the communities in which we operate by providing the earth's best renewable building products.”

Grant Funding

Idaho Community Foundation: Bonner County.

Fund for Arts Enhancement Grant for the 2025 Grand Finale Idaho Commission on the Arts & National Endowment for the Arts: Public Program in Arts Grant for the 2025 Summer Series Community Assistance League: Grant for the Instrument Library Creative West & National Endowment for the Arts: Tour West Grant for the 2025 Summer Series

In-Kind DONORS

Coca-Cola, Blue Sky Broadcasting, Happy Tech Services, Ting Internet, The Inlander, REALM, Alpine Motors Co., The Idaho Club, KXLY Radio Group, Keokee media + marketing, ASAP Flood & Fire / Rockwood Properties, Sandpoint Reader, DEWALT, Cliff & Mary Lou Otten, Like Media, Panhandle Electric, Northern States Pest Control, Wash-O-Mat Laundry Services, Ponder Play NW, Drink H2O, Pend d'Oreille Winery

sponsors & members

Idaho Forest Group, Toyota, STCU, Marcus Anderson Family Foundation, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, North Idaho Ketamine & TMS, Consolidated Supply/The Fixture Gallery, North Idaho Title, RCE Properties LLC, The Kubiak Family, Knickerbocker Foundation, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Timber Products, Gregg & Marilyn Marston, CGVI Family Foundation, Inc., Washington Trust Bank, Alliant Insurance Services Inc., Gregory J Daiker Family Trust, Skibitsky Family, Edward & Rebecca Hawkins, Glahe & Associates, Inc., Edward & Rebecca Hawkins, WaFd Bank, Van Vleet Foundation, The Schuck Family, Silverwing at Sandpoint, Steve & Julie Meyer,

sponsors & members, Continued

Cedar Management Co, B Corry & Donna J McFarland Foundation, Greg D & Melanie S McFarland Foundation, Doug & Oksana Cipriano, Paul & Bonnie Bawel, Powder Hound Pizza, Lauren Fiedler Lockwood & Benjamin Lockwood, Avista Foundation, MickDuff's Brewing Company, Sand Creek Custom Wear, North Idaho Flood & Fire, Christopher & Cecilia Hopper, Rick & Hali Karr, Allyson Presta, Doug & Stephanie Hawkins, S&S, Craig & Suzy Bruya, John & Lynda Hansen, Applegate Health Care, Brent & Barb Leedle, Todd & Selena Reed, In Memory of Bob Talaska, Nile Living, Ted & Starla Cortopassi, Actus Construction Management, Moon Time Pub, Marilyn Dalby Sabella, Michael Welp, Nick & Karen Warrick, Rebecca & Ken Kovalchuk, Life with Kate Inc., Steve & Dawn Watts, Vickie & Tom Pfeifer, Kerr Supply - CarQuest of Bonners Ferry, Todd & Cari House, Thomas Klein & Kay Eason, Tyke & Linda Van Dellen, Peterson Investment Management Inc., Bryan & Jill White, Terry & Denise Plaza, Curt & Bonnie Hagan, Finan McDonald Clothing Company, Nancy Lewis, Clif & Carol Warren, Baxters on Cedar, Marcella Nelson, William Williamson, Schweitzer Mountain, Hayden Beverage Company, Sand Creek Schweitzer Conoco, Duane & Lori Castles, Mark & Robyn Johnson, Julie McFarland Rawson, Selkirk Insurance Services, The Hilty Family, Art & Amy Bistline, Duncan & Karen Watson, Verdant Plants, Aerocet, Inc.,Tom & Linda Hamilton, Moab Folk Festival, Alliance Title & Escrow LLC, Ed & Jean Gordon, Rex & Ann Harder, Lenny Hess, Tom & Sharon Gribbin, Ben & Jeannie Higgs, Upper Edge Roofing, Terese Fandel, Jean Bansemer, John & Ginny Moody, Randy & Linda Gearke, Kathryn Swenson, Conor & Ali Baranski, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Christina Olson, Elizabeth Morris, Dan & Maria Menser, Chris Blanford & Tennille Toussaint, Karly & Brad Malone, Sarah & Ryan Pillsbury, Mark Souza, John Coulter, Maree Peck, Del Lagos Charitable Fund, Tony Cerato, Laura Elofson, Dana Curtis, Mary Donovan, Heather Goodwin, Tim & Gwen Galand, Teri Ruen, John Leavell, Liz & Steve Koster, Marta Salvage, Marianne Phalin, James Mis, Debra Brown, David & Cerise Cox, Sheryl Denney, James Rivard, Carrie Schafer, Mark Kison, Ryan Brusca, Kathleen Langer, Greg & Kerry Block, Mary Condy, Mobious Vandouris, Cindy Knowles, One Shot Charlie’s, M2 Construction LLC, M Gage Stromberg, Bea Speakman, Michael & Justina Blackburn, Larry Bowden, Carrie Roller, Annette Lorenzi, Steven Lazar & Susan Shaw, Dorothy Hatch, Christopher White, Actus Consulting Group LLC, Bruce & Sue Vogelsinger, Bell-Kuenzli Family Fund, American Mobile Drug Testing Inc., Donna Deshon, Cassie Anderson, Robert & Norma Smith, Joann Behrends, Kathy Grothman, In Memory of Jerry Condron & Max Emerson, Idaho Shakespeare, Jennifer Brandenberger, Flavio & Melanie Almeida

2025 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

For the Festival at Sandpoint (FAS), FY 2025 proved more complex than the recent years of notable growth. Nationwide, live music ticket sales declined, and our ticket revenue reflected that trend.

We also faced a sharp drop in grant funding due to federal freezes that reduced availability and heightened competition. Despite these challenges, FAS’s diverse revenue streams, disciplined expense management, and prudent savings ensured financial stability and a year-end profit. Our success is rooted in careful stewardship and the continued generosity of our donors and sponsors.

Total INCOME $2,377,982.14

Total expenses $2,364,174.82

77% PROGRAMS

70% PROGRAMS

19% FUNDRAISING

29% ADMIN

4% OTHER

1% FUNDRAISING

1% GRANTS

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

$19,029.07

net assets - beginning of FY25

$2,056,574.82

net assets - end of FY25

$2,075,603.89

2025 SUMMER SERIES HIGHLIGHTS

Our 2025 Summer Series continued our commitment to strengthening community foundations through intentional partnerships and accessible programming. We expanded our community collaborations and proudly introduced Community Night, featuring four artists from North Idaho and tickets under $20. We also increased access to the arts by donating over 1,000 tickets to community members through our Ticket Giving programs. We remain honored by the exceptional talent and unwavering support that made this year so memorable.

JULY 24

NEON TREES WITH KYLEKELLY

JULY 26

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET WITH THE JAYHAWKS & SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER

JULY 25

SIERRA FERRELL

WITH THE BRUDI BROTHERS

JULY 27

THIRD EYE BLIND WITH SNACKS AT MIDNIGHT

july 30

july 31

COMMUNITY NIGHT

BROTHERS OSBORNE

august 1

august 3

WITH JOJO DODGE, BRITTANY’S HOUSE, HAROLD’S IGA, & THE REAL MCCOY

WITH THE KRUSE BROTHERS

august 2

DISPATCH

WITH JOHN BUTLER

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE

DONAVON FRANKENREITER

KANSAS

WITH VIKA & THE VELVETS

GRAND FINALE SOUNDS OF SUMMER

2025 EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS instrument library

The Festival at Sandpoint’s free Instrument Library helps keep music accessible to our community. In 2025, our collection grew by over 20 percent. More than 60% of our 70 instruments were checked out this year, and for the first time, we have a waitlist! We’re investing in new instruments to meet demand, and donations are always appreciated. Have one gathering dust? We will give it new life in the hands of a budding musician.

Scholarships

We awarded $8,000 in scholarships to five North Idaho high school and college students.

Pictured Left to Right are Instrumental Runner-Up Zella Lopez, Instrumental Winner Carys Perilloux, Vocal Runner-Up Bennett Moran, and Vocal Winner Gabriella Dang. Not Pictured is the 2025 Lineup Poster Artist, Gracie Duncan. In 2026, we are excited to offer an additional award and expand to Priest River and Bonners Ferry.

pre-k outreach

We continued offering music lessons to students at Huckleberry Montessori and Selkirk School, and expanded to Kaniksu Community Health Kids Club. In collaboration with local pre-schools, we offer an in-class program designed to engage students through rhythm, movement, and song. During each session, students focus on a specific musical element through new instruments, including drums, trumpets, didgeridoos, and more.

internshipS

Each summer, the Festival offers a seasonal, paid internship program that allows interns to gain hands-on experience in the music industry and event operations. This year, we hosted five interns ranging from high school freshmen to college seniors. Pictured left to right are Production & Facilities Interns Riley Christman and Roan Luikens, Merchandise Intern Ida Gaddess, Marketing Intern Sophia Capodagli, and Hospitality Intern Willow Solly.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS Ticket GIVING

We distributed a total of 1,186 free tickets to our community through our annual Ticket Outreach Programs.

We partner with local schools and organizations to ensure free Grand Finale tickets reach those who need them most, including individuals with special needs, seniors, and veterans. This year, 198 Grand Finale tickets were given away, helping lowincome and underserved families enjoy this cherished community tradition.

In collaboration with artist teams, we also provided 944 free tickets to teachers, nurses, EMTs, police firefighters, veterans, and activeduty service members for four performances: Neon Trees, Community Night, DISPATCH, and the Grand Finale.

Through our Ticket Donation program, 44 tickets were given to regional non-profits to support their fundraising efforts.

volunteerS of the year

First Aid volunteers Justin Bistodeau and Tim Kaufman were awarded as the 2025 Volunteers of the Year. In addition to staffing the First Aid tent throughout the Summer Series, both stepped in to assist with bar product load-in, Cheers Tasting Event set up, and multiple lastminute needs during the Festival’s busy final Sunday. Tim and Justin saw a need and didn't hesitate to help out and solve the problem. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication to the organization.

POP COLLABORATION

During the 2025 Summer Series, we were so excited to partner with local non-profit bike organization, Pend Oreille Pedalers, on our new bike check area. This partnership allowed us to provide a more organized way to park and retrieve park bikes for guests while also supporting another nonprofit to spread the word about their mission. We look forward to continuing this partnership into the future and improving our offerings for concertgoers biking to the Summer Series.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS new staff

This year, we welcomed Darra Collison to the full-time staff as Development & Community Engagement Coordinator. Having grown up in Sandpoint, she is passionate about and has strong ties within the community. Darra is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a focus in Change Management from Gonzaga University. She has already become a valuable asset to the team.

production services

Paul Gunter had a busy year providing event production services and equipment rentals. In FY2025, we saw a 50% increase in production services revenue, highlighting the need for these professional services in our community.

Services include sound and lighting design, engineering, installations, repair, rentals, and more. Visit our website to learn more and submit a request for services.

PARTNERSHIPS

This year, we were thrilled to be able to use our expertise in production services to assist other organizations. Some of these events that we helped with this past year include Bonner General Health’s Heart Ball, Lost in the 50s, KRFY Radio’s Little Live Radio Hour, Community Cancer Services Rock Out Cancer, and many more.

This year, we donated over $8,000 in in-kind production services to local nonprofits to support their fundraising efforts.

Poster contest

Retired educator Perky Smith-Hagadone’s watercolor painting, “Wild Cantata,” was selected as the winning Fine Arts Poster of our 2025 Poster Contest. “Bird song is probably one of the world's most original pieces of music,” Perky said.

Additionally, Graphic Design student at North Idaho College, Gracie Duncan’s piece, “Alpenglow Sailing,” was selected as the winning Series Lineup Poster, and she received our 2025 Poster Contest Scholarship.

LOOKING FORWARD We are thoughtfully evaluating our current home at War Memorial Field and strategically planning for our long-term future, including the vision of establishing a permanent “forever home” for the Festival. As our organization grows, so too do the logistical and financial challenges of operating a pop-up venue each summer. The costs of producing our concert series at War Memorial Field continue to rise, and our revenue cannot keep pace.

We recognize that our current location holds deep meaning for our community. The nostalgia, history, convenience, and beauty of War Memorial Field are truly irreplaceable, and any change would be significant. Still, as we plan for the future, we are committed to finding creative and sustainable solutions to ensure the continued vitality of the Festival at Sandpoint and its beloved concert series for generations to come.

We value our community’s input and perspective on our future. We encourage you to be involved in conversation and brainstorming with us.

education

We remain committed to developing and expanding our education programs, extending their reach farther into Bonner, Boundary, and Kootenai counties. For 2026, we are actively working to grow our scholarships and masterclasses. These initiatives continue to strengthen our connection with the broader community and ensure that the music is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds across the region.

Securing our future

The Festival at Sandpoint Endowment Fund stands as a cornerstone for securing our future, allowing us to continue delivering performances that enrich our community.

Your gift is invested, providing ongoing financial support and stability and playing a pivotal role in fostering accessible music education opportunities in our community for generations to come.

WAYS TO DONATE & GIVE BACK Member/Sponsor

Advertising

Committees

Make an annual donation to support our mission to provide accessible music education and experiences to the community.

Donations of $150+ may qualify for exclusive ticket pre-sale access, priority access to music, VIP experiences, and more.

Designed for businesses, Advertising Partners receive priority access to music while maximizing their visibility and engaging with an audience of over 25,000 annually. Benefits may include social posts, verbal recognition, on-site activations, and more.

Joining a committee is a great way to volunteer, share your expertise, and support our year-round programs without the commitment of board service. Whether you bring experience in events, music, or fundraising, there’s a place for you.

Leave a Legacy

Volunteer

Instruments

Have you considered leaving a legacy of music and education to your community? Legacy gifts through wills, living trusts, or land donations make a lasting impact locally while helping create a lifetime legacy for yourself and the organization’s mission.

Our annual Summer Series could not exist without our hundreds of amazing volunteers. Enjoy the music, friends, and fun while giving back to a local nonprofit and your community by volunteering. Departments include gates, merchandise, green team, and more.

Do you have an instrument gathering dust? Donate it to the Festival, and we will recondition it and give it a new life in the hands of a local musician through our Instrument Library.

Donations may qualify for potential tax deductions.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEAL BAKER, COVER ART BY PERKY SMITH-HAGADONE

FESTIVALATSANDPOINT.COM | 525 PINE STREET | 208-265-4554