LOCAL STORY
TOP-QUALITY
CHIROPRACTIC CARE CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Intermountain Wellness and Chiropractic is proud to be leading the chiropractic industry in North Idaho with a comprehensive, whole-body approach to wellness. For four consecutive years, we’ve been awarded 1st place for Best Chiropractic Clinic in Bonner County, a testament to our commitment to delivering the most thorough and high-quality care possible. At Intermountain, we prioritize “quality over quantity” in everything we do, offering a variety of specialized therapies and modalities, including chiropractic and extremity care, in-depth blood lab analysis, functional nutrition, natural neuropathy treatment (through the Neuropathy Center of Idaho), sports therapy and rehabilitation, muscle therapies, and more.
Our goal is to be a one-of-a-kind clinic, proudly serving our community. Dr. Cameron VanDenBerg and Dr. Joseph Sweeney are among only six Gonstead-certified doctors in Idaho—a technique recognized as the “gold standard” of chiropractic care for over 50 years.
Your first visit with us will take about 1.5 to 2 hours and includes a comprehensive consultation, a full-spine x-ray (with detailed results provided by your doctor), a muscle scan, and an individualized, specific adjustment and extremity care, or muscle therapy if needed.
We are passionate about helping entire families, from newborns to seniors, and also specialize in Webster technique to support pregnant women throughout their pregnancies. Call us to get started on your path to better wellness at Intermountain Wellness and Chiropractic!
MARKETING
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Allyia Briggs | 208.620.5444 allyia@like-media.com
MARKETING EXECUTIVE Rebecca Baczewski | 253.363.8830 rebecca@like-media.com
OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER
Kamy Jones | marketing@like-media.com
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Jackson Russo | jackson@like-media.com
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Taylor Shillam | taylor@like-media.com
DESIGN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton
DESIGN DIRECTOR | Darbey Russo
SENIOR DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew
SENIOR DESIGNER | Sam Stoke
JUNIOR DESIGNER | Emily King
DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock
ACCOUNTING / OPERATIONS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | Rachel Figgins
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo
CONTRIBUTORS
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ken Wood, The Bonner County Historical Society & Museum
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographer:
Rebecca Miller Photography pg. 1, 14-15
Ashley Kendall Photography pg. 24
Selkirk Ridge Photography pg. 27
Jason Duchow Photography pg. 30
Courtesy Photos:
Bonner County Fairgrounds, Wynn Williams, Bonner County Historical Society & Museum
Go Sandpoint Magazine is published monthly and distributed freely throughout North Idaho. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Go Sandpoint Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Go Sandpoint Magazine is produced and published by Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.
Annie Pollock
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Is your home really protected from natural disasters?
Q&A with Kaleb & Taylor Merrill, owners of Northwest Tree Care LLC
Fair Built Across Generations
Sports Calendar: Bulldogs Fall Kickoff
Get to know the places within Sandpoint’s city limits
Explore all of the incredible destinations along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille
Oreille Arts Council's Arts & Crafts Fair Turns 54
Kullyspell House: Memory Over Maps
FEATURED ON THE AUGUST 2026 COVER OF GO SANDPOINT MAGAZINE, Kaleb and Taylor Merrill built Northwest Tree Care on one standard: precision over shortcuts. Both born and raised in Sandpoint, they run the Ponderay-based company as a team, with Kaleb leading the field and Taylor capturing his work through photography and video. They handle technical tree removals, lot clearing, fire mitigation, trimming, stump grinding, and 24/7 storm response across Bonner County. Discover the story behind Northwest Tree Care on page 14.
Photo by Rebecca Miller Photography
WHY CHOOSE NEDRA?
BEST-IN-CLASS MARKETING
Bringing her background in journalism and public relations to every interaction, Nedra provides not only her expertise in marketing but pricing strategy, negotiation, strong communication skills, and showcasing properties with best-in-class marketing and luxury branding.
100% ATTENTION
When you work with Nedra, you get her 100% commitment. She’ll answer your messages and calls promptly, and connect with you on all showings. Your home isn’t just another listing to her. She wants to see you to the finish line and won’t stop until that happens.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE
Nedra is a highly successful real estate agent with a proven track record of selling multimillion-dollar homes, as well as cozy family homes and beautiful land in North Idaho. Her dedication to providing exceptional service has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor in the luxury real estate market.
Turnkey waterfront retreat just minutes from downtown Sandpoint, thoughtfully set up as a high-performing short-term rental or unforgettable second home. This spacious property comfortably sleeps 14 and is fully furnished with every detail in place—from a well-stocked kitchen and thoughtfully appointed bathrooms to multiple TVs and game room with hydronic heat, packed with entertainment. Guests will love the private dock with the ability to tie up a boat, plus seasonal access to Lake Pend Oreille. A beachy area just steps from the dock offers the perfect spot to relax by the water. Kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes are included for endless North Idaho adventure, with nearby public boat launches for easy access plus bonus beach access in the HOA as well. Outside, enjoy a hot tub, fire pit, BBQ area, and expansive fenced yard designed for gathering. A newly added full bathroom enhances the main-level game room, adding flexibility and convenience, while an EV charging station, ample parking and a whole house generator complete the package.
Is your home really protected FROM NATURAL DISASTERS?
This article was written by
Edward Jones
for use by
your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ken Wood
As temperatures rise and storm season approaches, it’s a good idea to review your homeowners insurance policy. Tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, flooding and other natural disasters can strike with little warning. If your coverage is outdated, you could find yourself without adequate protection when you need it most.
Many people set up a policy but rarely revisit it. But rising costs and changing risks in your area can affect the coverage you need and how much it costs. By reviewing your policy now, you can help identify gaps in coverage before an emergency exposes them.
To check that your homeowners policy protects against a natural disaster's damage, consider these three things:
1.COVERAGE AMOUNTS: These should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home in today’s market, not what you paid for it years ago. One option is to add inflation protection, which automatically adjusts coverage amounts based on current costs in your area.
Wood
2. PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE: Make a list of important belongings and their estimated values to gauge whether your existing coverage is adequate. Keep in mind that highvalue items, such as jewelry or fine art, may require additional coverage.
3. LOSS OF USE OR ADDITIONAL LIVING EXPENSES (ALE): If a disaster makes your home unlivable, this coverage helps pay for hotel stays, temporary apartment rentals and even extra meal costs while your home is being
repaired or rebuilt. These costs can add up, so this coverage can be a big help during a crisis. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover every disaster and typically excludes floods –including those that follow a hurricane – and earthquakes. These require separate policies. If you live in an area prone to either, those addons could be worth the additional expense.
If your premiums feel too high, there are ways to lower them without sacrificing coverage. You might qualify for savings with automatic payments or by bundling your home and auto policies. Raising your deductible is another option, although it means you’ll pay more out of pocket before coverage kicks in, so make sure your emergency fund can handle the difference.
If you need help after a disaster, contact your insurance agent or broker quickly. Keep their information somewhere you can access at any moment, even if your phone is dead or the power is out. It’s also smart to keep your financial advisor’s contact information handy for help assessing the financial impact of a disaster and prioritizing short-term cash needs.
It’s also a good idea to review your homeowners policy at least every five years. You might need to review it sooner if something could affect your coverage needs, such as a home renovation or a significant increase in construction costs. Ongoing reviews help ensure your coverage keeps pace with your home’s value and the risks in your area. The time you spend going over your policy now could save you stress when it matters most.
Q&A
with KALEB & TAYLOR MERRILL
OWNERS OF NORTHWEST TREE CARE LLC
by LIKE MEDIA TEAM
Kaleb and Taylor Merrill, both born and raised in Sandpoint, built Northwest Tree Care in Ponderay on one simple standard: precision over shortcuts. For more than nine years, Kaleb has led the field with expert tree work, while Taylor captures his talent through photography and videography, sharing the company’s story through social media.
Together, they work as a team, combining skilled craftsmanship in the field with creative storytelling behind the scenes. They serve homeowners and property owners across Bonner County with technical tree removals, lot clearing, fire mitigation, routine trimming, stump grinding, and 24/7 storm response.
Q.Northwest Tree Care is a family-owned business based in Ponderay. How did it get started, and what did you want it to become?
A. Northwest Tree Care started with a simple goal: to build something of our own rooted in hard work, integrity, safety, and family. Taylor and I, both born and raised in Sandpoint, wanted to create a company that truly serves the community while showcasing the passion behind it. From the beginning, our vision was bigger than removing trees. We wanted to build a name people could trust, one known for quality work, professionalism, and attention to detail. Today, we are proud to have grown that vision into a reputable, family-run business in ways we never expected.
Q.Tree work is technical, physical, and high risk. What does a safe, professional job look like from your point of view?
A. To us, a safe and professional job starts with recognizing risks before the work begins. Careful planning, clear communication, and a crew that works well together are essential. We like to say that an amateur practices until they can get it right, while a professional practices until they can't get it wrong. A successful job means the work is done right, the property is protected, and everyone goes home to their families.
Q.What are the most common reasons North Idaho property owners call you?
A. A lot of our calls come from property owners who are ready to make a change, whether that's opening up a lake or mountain view, clearing space for a shop or new construction, removing trees that are too close to their homes, or simply cleaning up an overgrown property for fire protection. Our biggest specialty is technical tree removals in tight access situations where the tree is surrounded by homes, fences, landscaping, or other obstacles. North Idaho properties are incredibly diverse, so no two jobs are ever quite the same.
Q.North Idaho weather can change fast. What should homeowners know about recognizing a hazardous tree before it becomes an emergency?
A. Living in North Idaho, we see firsthand how quickly the weather can turn questionable trees into an emergency. Heavy snow loads, strong winds, heavy rain, and sudden storms can expose weaknesses that may have gone unnoticed for years. We encourage homeowners to watch for warning signs like large dead limbs, cracks or splits in the trunk, sudden leaning, exposed or lifting roots, decay, and noticeable changes to the canopy of the tree.
Q.For someone who has never hired a tree service before, what should they expect from the first call to the final cleanup?
A. We start by listening to what the homeowners are concerned about or hoping to accomplish, then meet onsite to evaluate the property or tree, discuss options, and explain how we approach the work. Having large equipment, loud chainsaws, and a crew in your backyard can feel overwhelming, so we take pride in being respectful, organized, and mindful of the space we are working in. Once the job is finished, cleaning up is a major priority. Our goal is for the customer to feel confident and reassured that they chose a company that genuinely cares about the work we leave behind.
REAL
ESTATE
Sandpoint, Idaho
SANDPOINT'S LATE-SUMMER Seller Advantage
SWhy late listings still win this market
by LIKE MEDIA TEAM
pring always gets the attention in Sandpoint real estate. Buyers circle April and May on their calendars, agents brace for a rush of new listings, and by June the market feels crowded. Late summer works differently; fewer sellers list in August, and that absence creates an advantage for the ones who do.
New inventory slows as summer stretches on. Families who intended to sell already listed months ago. Vacation homeowners who considered a summer sale often let the season pass, waiting until spring to try again. What remains by August is a smaller, more deliberate group of sellers facing a smaller, more deliberate group of buyers. There is less competition on the market and more attention on each new listing.
Buyers still shopping in August may have different motivations from those touring open houses in May. Spring traffic includes lookers and people testing the market before they are ready to commit. By late summer, that group has mostly stepped back. Those who remain usually have a reason to move now. A job relocation. A lease ending. A family finishing out a lake season and deciding this is the year they stop renting and buy. These buyers may be working within firmer timelines, which can lead to more focused decisions.
School timing plays its own role. Families relocating to Bonner County often work backward from the start of the school year in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. A closing in August or early September allows a family to settle into a new home near the beginning of the school year rather than weeks after it starts. That deadline can push buyers to act instead of wait, giving sellers access to a motivated audience working within a fixed schedule.
Lake Pend Oreille also influences late-summer buyer behavior. By August, many prospective buyers have spent enough time in Sandpoint to understand how they would actually use a home here, not just how it looks during a showing. They have experienced the lake, explored different neighborhoods, and developed a clearer sense of which location and property type fit their plans. That familiarity can make buyers more decisive and help well-positioned listings stand out.
Waiting beyond late summer carries its own tradeoffs. As fall progresses, buyer activity can slow with school schedules, hunting season, shorter days, and the approaching holidays. A home listed in August reaches buyers while they are still actively searching. A home held back for spring must first sit through the slower months, then compete with every other seller who made the same choice.
Sellers weighing whether to list now or wait until spring should consider what waiting actually costs. A spring listing enters a market filled with comparable homes competing for the same buyer pool at the same time. An August listing enters a thinner field. Homes that might blend into a crowded spring inventory have a better chance to stand out when buyers are touring fewer options.
None of this means every home sells faster in August than in May. Pricing still matters most. Condition matters. Financing, inspections, and due diligence can affect a transaction in any season. But the structural advantage of fewer competing listings, more motivated buyers, and firm relocation or school-year deadlines can favor sellers willing to list now rather than hold out for a busier season.
Sellers often assume waiting until spring gives them the best chance to maximize value. In a market like Sandpoint, the opposite can be true. By late summer, competition has thinned while many of the buyers who remain are working against real deadlines rather than browsing possibilities. August is not simply the end of the selling season. For the right property, it may be one of the most overlooked opportunities of the year.
REAL ESTATEMarket Report
Median Sales Price
$564,662
53
3.2%
24.2% Homes with Price Drops
*Data provided by Redfin.com, collected from May 2026
300 Sunterra Circle, Priest River, ID
Rare double waterfront offering just minutes from Sandpoint, Idaho, with a combined 215 feet of prime frontage and boatable access to Lake Pend Oreille Situated in a quiet neighborhood, this custom 5,045 sq ft contemporary Mediterranean home (built in 2007) features 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, expansive windows, and seamless indoor-outdoor living designed for entertaining and relaxed lake life Set on over an acre with 64 acres above high water, the property includes a private dock and the adjacent waterfront lot offering exceptional privacy, expanded shoreline, and future flexibility in one of North Idaho’s most coveted settings $3,150,000
An extraordinary opportunity awaits with this 1.66-acre commercial parcel located in the highly sought-after North Addition of the Sandpoint Airpark. Unlike most parcels at the Sandpoint Airport, which are leasehold, this lot offers fee simple ownership, a rare and valuable asset for long-term investment and development With direct runway access to the Sandpoint Airport and private frontage on Woodland Drive, this property is uniquely positioned for aviation enthusiasts, commercial developers, or businesses seeking high visibility and utility access Power and sewer are already in place, making this lot truly shovel-ready $1,200,000
5 Bed | 4 Bath | 5,045 SF | 215’ Combined Waterfront | Private Dock | Double-Lot Offering
CA
Built Across GENERATIONS GENERATIONS A FAIR
Celebrating 99 years of tradition during America's 250th year
by LIKE MEDIA TEAM
The Bonner County Fair is back on North Boyer Road this August, and this year it's carrying some extra weight. From August 18 through 22, Bonner County celebrates its 99th fair under the theme "Independence and Farmer's Descendants," tying America's 250th birthday to the generations of farmers and ranchers who have kept this fair running since before most of us were born.
The tradition dates back to 1927, when the very first Bonner County Fair was held at War Memorial Park. Nearly a century later, it's grown into the countywide event North Idaho families build their whole August around: animals shown, ribbons won, neighbors reconnected. With the 100th fair just one year away, this year feels like a natural pause to look back at who built this thing and look ahead at who's carrying it forward.
For Carli Giard, Events Coordinator for the Bonner County Fairgrounds, this year's theme hits close to home. "This year's theme brings America's 250th anniversary together with the farmers and families who helped shape our fair," Giard said. "With the 100th fair coming next year, it is also getting people to think about the legacy behind it." That legacy isn't abstract for her family, either. Her great-grandmother served on the Fair Board, and her own kids are now fourth-generation 4-H members in Sandpoint.
Fairgrounds gates open at 9 am and stay open until 10 pm every day of the fair. Animal barns run 9 am to 9 pm, and the Main Exhibit Building and 4-H Exhibit Hall are open 10 am to 9 pm. Admission is free, and one $7 parking pass covers you the whole week.
This year also brings a couple of firsts worth slowing down for. The fairgrounds arena is being formally dedicated to Mike Flanigan, an 18-year professional rodeo cowboy who moved his family to Sandpoint and spent years helping lead the Bonner County Rodeo Committee alongside Annie and Tony Lowery and Mick and Cheri McCrum. And Levi Irish, president of the Sandpoint Rodeo Committee, is this year's Volunteer of the Year,
recognized for showing up at nearly every fair event and handling the behind-thescenes arena work nobody sees, but everybody benefits from.
Each evening features a headline event:
Tuesday, August 18 – Stock Dog Fun Day: Free and family-friendly, this one's pure entertainment: working stock dogs herding sheep and geese through the Outdoor Arena while the crowd cheers them on. Starts at 6 pm.
Wednesday, August 19 – NWBHA
Barrel Race: The Northwest Barrel Horse Association takes the Outdoor Arena for an evening of horse and rider flying through a cloverleaf pattern, free to watch. Starts at 7 pm.
Thursday, August 20 – Ranch Sorting (Presented by Careywood Creek Ranch): Two riders, a herd of numbered cattle, and a clock: real ranch work turned into real entertainment. Free to watch, starting at 5:30 pm.
Friday, August 21 – Ranch Bronc Riding (Presented by Wood V-X Ranch): The week's biggest night, opening with Junior Bull Riding and Mutton Bustin' before the broncs take over. Gates open at 6 pm, action starts at 7. Tickets run $26 online or $30 at the gate.
Saturday, August 22 – Bonner County Brawl Demolition Derby (Presented by CO-OP Gas & Supply): Fair week's grand finale, engines, scrap metal, and drivers fighting to be the last one still moving. Gates open at 6 pm, derby starts at 7. Tickets run $26 online or $30 at the gate.
Saturday morning belongs to the kids. The 4-H Market Animal Public Auction kicks off at 9 am in the Indoor Arena, the payoff for months of feeding, training, and early mornings. Every animal must meet a minimum weight requirement: beef at 1,100 pounds, goats at 60 pounds, sheep at 105 pounds, swine at 225 pounds. Buyers pay Turn price, basically what a local auction yard would offer on the hoof, plus whatever they choose to bid above it. That extra is called Blue Sky money, and it goes straight to the kid who raised the animal. From there, buyers can take the animal home, have it processed, or turn it back to the exhibitor and just cover the Blue Sky portion. Want to bid? Register in advance through the Bonner County Extension Office to skip the check-in line; no commitment required.
You'll find all the usual favorites too: 4-H and Open Class livestock (cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, goats), the Hay Bale Maze courtesy of Wood's Hay & Grain, the World's Smallest Rodeo and Little Folks Horse Show, the Tractor Driving Contest, the Ice Cream Eating Contest, and the Beard, Mustache & Mullet Contest. Add in bouncy houses, Pippi the Clown, a laser fast draw with Young Guns Entertainment, a caricature artist parked near the lounge in the Main Exhibit Building, and the free Lehman Wildlife Education Center with its 120 mounts of local wildlife, and there's not much downtime. Around 80 vendors are expected on the grounds this year, and if you're hungry, head over to the food court. If you are looking for some excitement Mountain Mafia and Blue Collar parked out front of the Main Exhibit Building.
Step inside the Main Exhibit Building and 4-H Exhibit Hall, and you'll find the fair's quieter side: quilts, preserved foods, photography, needlework, fine arts, flowers, baked goods, and a full building of 4-H static projects, months of work from kitchens, gardens, sewing rooms, and workshops all over the county, judged and ribboned for the week.
Open Class competition is open to anyone, not just 4-H families. Entries can be submitted online this year through ShoWorks, which prints your entry tag in advance instead of having you fill one out in line. Paper tags are still available at the Fair Office if you'd rather do it the old-fashioned way.
This year's Fair Queen, CayliJo Giard, is headed to the University of Idaho this fall to study animal science, with plans to become a large-animal veterinarian and someday run her own hobby farm. She'll pass her crown alongside outgoing Princess Olivia Rich, who's sticking with her love of art and writing, at the Fair Royalty Crowning Ceremony Tuesday at 2 pm in the 4-H Exhibit Hall, where the 2026-2027 royalty will also be introduced. This year's Grand Marshals, Steve and Louise Wood, have been part of the fair since 1975, when they began harvesting market animals, and they have purchased animals at the youth market sale every year since 1978. Married for more than five decades, they still raise Black Angus cattle under the V-X brand and operate Wood’s Meat Processing, the business they built together.
None of it runs without the community behind it. Fair Office volunteers, 4-H families, board members, event crews, judges, and exhibitors all put in months of work before the gates even open. If you want to help, call the Fair Office at 208.263.8414.
Tucked away from the noise, the fairgrounds' Memorial Garden holds a quieter piece of that same story. Recently refreshed, it still carries its original stones and the names of the people who spent years helping build this fair. As Bonner County counts down to its 100th fair next year, those names are a good reminder: this event has always run on people willing to raise an animal, enter an exhibit, volunteer an evening, and show up again next August.
That's what "Independence and Farmer's Descendants" really means this year: celebrating 250 years of the country alongside the families who've spent generations building this fair one August at a time.
Visit BonnerCountyFair.com for
schedules, entry info, and tickets
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Michael Tsiro PERFORMS WITH PURPOSE
Collaboration, discipline, and curiosity shape his next steps
Michael Tsiro studies piano and violin at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint (MCS), where seven years at the keyboard and five on the strings have given him a foundation he continues to build on. Clarinet, flute, harp, conducting, and composing are also part of the 17-yearold’s musical range. Being selected as Student of the Month, he says, is a great honor and a recognition of both his musical achievements and the work behind them.
Collaboration has been his biggest driver of growth this year. He has performed duets with Gosia Szemelak-Pellant at MCS, played Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with the North Idaho Philharmonia, and shared Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A major in a piano duet with his teacher Melody Puller. He accompanied two violin students in recitals and rehearsed with the MCS Summer Academy choir.
Performance anxiety has become less of an obstacle. Before performing, he reminds himself that he is there to share music with the audience and include them as an essential part of the performance. Playing for an audience of roughly 15,000 people at a church in Florida helped with that, too. His love for the music itself keeps him at the bench when progress slows, along with the goal of having a finished piece ready to perform.
by LIKE MEDIA TEAM
Dr. Matt Goodrich has been his piano teacher and mentor for most of his musical journey, guiding him through his first piano competitions, musical projects, and more.
Offstage, Tsiro is interested in cybersecurity, computer science, and AI, the field he plans to major in. He holds CompTIA A+ and Security+ certifications, was a semifinalist in CyberPatriot this year, and interned last summer with Dr. Rory Creigh, a teacher at MCS and the director of AI at Practicing Musician at the time. At Sandpoint High School, he carries a 4.3 GPA. Travel has shaped him, too. Trips to Portugal and Latin America have introduced him to diverse cultures and musical styles, helping shape his artistic identity.
This fall, he plans to return to the MTNA Piano Competition with repertoire by Chopin, Beethoven, Debussy, and George Walker. This summer, he will perform the celeste and serve as Assistant Conductor for Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, a project undertaken by the North Idaho Philharmonia and the MCS Summer Academy. His guiding quote comes from Sun Tzu: “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
BULLDOGS
GEAR UP:
FALL SEASON RETURNS
FOOTBALL, SOCCER AND VOLLEYBALL OPEN THE FALL CALENDAR
by LIKE MEDIA TEAM
Memorial Field goes quiet for only so long each summer. By August, the quiet is over. Tryouts and practices are underway at Sandpoint High as football, volleyball, boys' soccer, and girls' soccer transition from summer conditioning to game preparation.
Volleyball is first to compete. The Bulldogs travel to Post Falls for a preseason jamboree on August 17, an early opportunity to measure progress before conference play begins. Boys and girls soccer follow the next day, with both teams heading to Lake City for their own preseason jamboree on August 18.
Football takes the spotlight on August 21 when the Bulldogs host Twin Falls at Memorial Field at 7 pm. Opening night under the lights marks the return of Friday night football and officially kicks off another fall season in Sandpoint.
The calendar fills quickly after that. Girls soccer welcomes Lake City to Memorial Field on August 22, followed by boys soccer hosting Moscow on August 25. Volleyball opens its home schedule August 24 against Timberlake in the SHS gym.
September settles into the rhythm of the regular season. Girls soccer hosts Mead on September 10, while volleyball returns to the SHS gym September 1 against Moscow, September 3 against Coeur d'Alene, and September 8 against Lake City.
The schedule points toward some of the season's biggest moments. Football celebrates Homecoming at Memorial Field on October 2 against Moscow, then honors its seniors on October 16 against Lewiston. The biggest event of the season arrives later that month when Sandpoint hosts the IHSAA State Soccer Championships from October 22 through 24.
None of it happens without the work that comes first. August is filled with tryouts, two-a-day practices, and long hours spent shaping rosters, building chemistry, and preparing for the months ahead. Every season begins there, long before the crowds arrive on Friday nights.
By the time the leaves begin to turn, championships will be on the line. But first come the August practices, the preseason jamborees, and opening night under the lights. For the Bulldogs, another fall season is ready to begin.
WHERE TO WATCH
Where Sandpoint's fall sports take the field
FOOTBALL | WAR MEMORIAL FIELD SOCCER | WAR MEMORIAL FIELD VOLLEYBALL | SANDPOINT HIGH SCHOOL GYM
Practice begins August 10. The Bulldogs host their home opener August 21 at 7 pm against Twin Falls.
Boys and girls open the season on the road August 18 at Lake City. Girls play their home opener August 21.
Tryouts begin August 10. Varsity opens the season on the road August 17 at Post Falls.
CROSS COUNTRY | COURSE TBD
Practice begins August 10. Home meet location to be announced.
SEASON STARTS HERE
Key dates for the beginning of fall sports
AUGUST 10 | FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE
Football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country all begin practice.
AUGUST 21 | FOOTBALL'S HOME OPENER
The Bulldogs host Twin Falls at Memorial Field, 7 pm.
Schedules are subject to change. Visit sandpointathletics.com for the most current dates and times.
EMERGENCY vs. IMMEDIATE CARE
The right care starts with knowing where to go. When something happens, choosing between the ER and Immediate Care can be confusing. But knowing where to go helps ensure you get the right treatment — without delay.
IMMEDIATE CARE
• Chest Pain
• Stroke Symptoms
• Major Trauma
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Shortness of Breath
• Allergic Reactions
• Overdose
• Abdominal Pain
• Severe Bleeding
• Dehydration, Vomiting, or Diarrhea
• Severe Headaches
• Mental Health Crisis
• Assault
• Babies <6 mo, any complaint
• Major Burns or Fractures
• Confusion/Altered Mental Status
208.265.1020
• Coughs, Colds, or Fevers
• Earaches
• UTIs
• Chronic Conditions
• Hypertension
• Sprains and Strains
• Lacerations/Minor Injuries
• Mild Headaches
• Falls
• STD Testing
• X-Rays
• Dental Pain
• Minor Burns
• Minor Car Accidents
• Nosebleeds
• Back Pain
208.263.0649 MON-FRI: 9AM-6PM | SAT-SUN: 10AM-5PM
WHERE TO STAY
Pend Oreille Arts Council's
& Crafts Fair Turns 54
August 8-9, 2026
Downtown Sandpoint closes its streets to art each August, and this year marks the 54th season of the tradition. The Pend Oreille Arts Council's Arts & Crafts Fair fills 2nd Avenue and Main Street on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9. Dozens of curated exhibitors show ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, paintings, mixed media, wood, and prepared foods. The fair runs from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and from 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday. A youth art arena gives young visitors their own space to create alongside the booths. Food vendors line the route for anyone ready to make a day of it. Admission is free to everyone throughout the weekend. Last year's fair drew more than 5,000 visitors, one of Sandpoint's busiest weekends of the year. Every dollar raised supports POAC's visual and performing arts programming and arts education across Sandpoint and Bonner County, reaching classrooms and stages throughout the year. Bring cash for the smaller booths and comfortable shoes for the crowds. Street parking fills fast, so plan to walk in from nearby lots. Second Avenue and Main Street fill early. For exhibitor lists and full details, visit ArtInSandpoint.org/arts-crafts-fair.
1-9 AUGUST
7-8 AUGUST
AUGUST 2026
FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT: AUGUST CONCERTS
The Festival at Sandpoint continues its 2026 Summer Series with seven August performances at War Memorial Field. Portugal. The Man opens the month on August 1, followed by Community Night featuring JOSEPH with Sydney Dale and Hannah Meehan on August 2. George Thorogood and The Destroyers perform with The Robert Cray Band on August 5, and Midland takes the stage August 6. Switchfoot performs with Ethan Burdick on August 7, followed by Rick Springfield with The Buckley Storms on August 8. The series concludes August 9 with the Festival at Sandpoint Orchestra performing How to Train Your Dragon 2: In Concert.
Visit FestivalatSandpoint.com for full event details.
SANDPOINT BONNER COUNTY RODEO
The Sandpoint Bonner County Rodeo returns to the Bonner County Fairgrounds for two nights of PRCA competition, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. Cowboys and cowgirls from across the region compete at the arena on North Boyer Road, with tickets available through the fairgrounds box office. The rodeo runs ahead of the Bonner County Fair later in the month, giving Sandpoint an early taste of fair season. Sponsors and community volunteers help stage the event each year.
Visit SandpointBonnerCountyRodeo.com for full event details.
BONNER COUNTY FAIR
18-22 AUGUST
18-19 AUGUST
22 AUGUST
The Bonner County Fair runs Tuesday through Saturday, August 18-22, at the fairgrounds on North Boyer Road. A Bonner County tradition since 1927, the fair includes livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, home economics displays, fruit and vegetable contests,food vendors, children’s activities, arena events, and live entertainment. Competitive categories include dairy and beef cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, and field crops, as well as clothing, needlework, and baking competitions. The fairgrounds sit just north of downtown Sandpoint at the foot of the Selkirk Mountains. Schedules and exhibitor information are posted online.
Visit BonnerCountyFair.com for full event details.
CARL ORFF'S CARMINA BURANA AT THE PANIDA THEATER
The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint presents Carl Orff's Carmina Burana for two nights at the Panida Theater, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 18-19. The North Idaho Philharmonia joins the Bel Canto Opera and community voices for the full choral and orchestral work, anchored by its dramatic opening movement “O Fortuna.” Both performances start at 7 pm inside the historic downtown theater. The piece calls for a full orchestra, chorus, and vocal soloists to perform together on stage, a rare pairing on Sandpoint's concert calendar. Tickets will be available through the Panida box office.
Visit SandpointConservatory.org for full event details.
22ND ANNUAL WINGS OVER SANDPOINT FLY-IN
Regional pilots fly into Sandpoint Airport for the 22nd annual Wings Over Sandpoint Fly-In. A country breakfast runs from 8 am to 10:30 am, with aircraft on display through roughly 1:30 pm. Visitors get an up-close look at general aviation planes, classic antiques, experimental craft, and float planes. Admission to the aircraft display is free. Breakfast proceeds benefit the Sandpoint EAA Chapter 1441 Flight Scholarship Program, which supports local high school students pursuing aviation careers. EAA Chapter 1441 sponsors the event.
Visit IdahoAviation.com for full event details.
local fun fact
KULLYSPELL HOUSE: MEMORY OVER MAPS
HOW A NATIVE TRADITION GUIDED HISTORIANS TO IDAHO'S FIRST TRADING POST
courtesy of THE BONNER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM
Do you love a good history mystery?
One of the most remarkable historical discoveries around Lake Pend Oreille occurred in the early 1920s when local historian and pioneer Sam Owen set out to locate the site of David Thompson's Kullyspell House,the first known Euro-American trading post and permanent structure in present-day Idaho.
Built in 1809 by David Thompson and Finan McDonald for the North West Company, the post stood near the outlet of Lake Pend Oreille. But where?
Over the decades, its exact location was forgotten as physical evidence disappeared through neglect and weather.
The breakthrough came when Owen turned to Native elders whose families had preserved knowledge of the site through oral tradition. Among them were "Blind Aleck" Klai-Too and Duncan McDonald, who guided Owen to the location using landmarks, personal recollections, and knowledge passed down through generations, but not vision.
This 1923 Pioneer Picnic photograph captures several of the people involved in the effort, including Klai-Too, McDonald, Native medicine man Sam Batish, pioneer Mrs. A.R. Derr, Payton Owen, and former Congressman Compton White.
Historians relied on Thompson's journals to provide clues, but Native memory showed where to look. Together, they brought a lost chapter of North Idaho history back to life.
