OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Kamy Jones | marketing@like-media.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Sierra Spicer | 208.620.5456 sierra@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
DESIGN
SENIOR
SENIOR
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, 16
Racheal Baker Photography pg. 18, 20-21
Courtesy Photos:
Bonner County Historical Society & Museum, Paper Flowers, Schweitzer, Brittany Lyseng
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!
Managing
Keith
THE
18th Annual Heart Ball: Through the Looking Glass
Small Spaces, Big Warmth FEATURE
Pre-Spring Search Activity Signals Early Market
Explore great winter events, arts and entertainment
Do
remember the old brick Post Office?
FEATURES A Q&A WITH KEITH CHRISTENSON, owner of Christenson Construction, a family-run general contracting company serving North Idaho. In this candid conversation, Keith shares what inspired him to start his business after moving to the area, how working alongside his wife and sons shapes each project, and why hands-on involvement, trusted partnerships, and clear communication define his approach to building custom homes and major remodels across the region.
200 BRIT TANY LOOP
3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS 1780 SQFT
.16 ACRES CORNER LOT
Scan with your phone to view the listing, no signup required
LARGE SINGLE LEVEL TOWNHOME
Welcome to 200 Brittany Loop in Kootenai—a single-level townhouse offering space, comfort, and an unbeatable location. This 3-bedroom, 2bath, 1,780 sq ft home sits on a corner lot with a fenced backyard and beautiful Schweitzer Mountain views f rom the f ront
Take a stroll through the nature trails that connect to the neighborhood, and enjoy being within walking distance to the elementary school and a short bike ride to Field of Dreams, featuring soccer fields and upcoming additions such as baseball fields, an ice skating rink, and a community playground.
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.
Discover your private paradise on over 6 wooded and landscaped acres in the coveted Selle Valley of Sandpoint, Idaho. Crafted by a local award-winning architect, this estate features a 5,965 sq. ft. main residence and a 1,500 sq. ft. guest house, offering boundless potential—think retreat center, family compound, or lucrative vacation rental. Unwind on the wraparound deck, perfect for birdwatching or soaking in the tranquility. Gardeners and homesteaders will thrive with abundant fruit trees, an attached greenhouse, and six frost-free hydrants. The vast basement expands your options with a living area, second full kitchen, bedroom, and ample unfinished storage. Whether you crave a secluded escape or a hosting haven, this North Idaho gem delivers it all.
Managing risk at different stages of life
As an investor, you will always need to deal with risk of some kind. How can you manage the risk that accompanies the volatility of the financial markets? The answer depends somewhat on where you are in life.
When you’re starting out … If you’re early in your career, with perhaps four or five decades until you retire, you can likely afford to invest primarily for growth, which also means you’ll be taking on a higher level of risk – because risk and reward are positively correlated. But, given your age, you will have time to overcome the market downturns that are both inevitable and a normal part of investing. Still, even at this stage, being over-aggressive can be costly.
When you’re in the “middle stages” … At this time of your life, you’re possibly well along in your career and working on at least a couple of financial goals, such as saving for retirement and your children’s college education. You’ll want to begin adjusting the balance in your portfolio between assets with higher growth and those with lower growth since there will be progressively less time to rebuild losses. You'll need to decide on the balance between risk and growth that’s right for you.
When you’re a few years from retirement … You may have already achieved some key goals – perhaps your children have finished college and you’ve paid off your mortgage. As a result, you may have more money available to put away for retirement. Growth still matters because your retirement could be 25 or 30 years long, and you'll need investments that can keep up
with inflation. But you'll also need investments designed to help provide for your income needs in retirement and provide more stability. Also consider reducing your exposure to higher-risk investments and instead consider investing more in stable dividend-paying stocks, government and investment-grade bonds, and cash.
When you’re retired … Once you’re retired, you might think you should take no risks at all with substantial assets held in cash. However, you could spend two or three decades in retirement, so you may need some growth potential in your portfolio to stay ahead of inflation. A more balanced mix between equities and fixed income is generally appropriate. Establishing a withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your lifestyle and projected longevity can help reduce the risk of outliving your money. Of course, if there’s an extended market downturn during any time of your retirement, you may want to temporarily lower your withdrawal rate.
Managing investment risk is a lifelong process that evolves with your goals, responsibilities and time horizon. While you'll look for balance among your investments based on your life stage, having a balanced and diversified portfolio doesn't fully protect against a loss. Still, aligning your strategy with your stage of life can help navigate market volatility and stay on track toward long-term success while avoiding emotional investment decisions. The key is staying informed and making intelligent choices that reflect your current income needs and future aspirations.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ken Wood
by
Q&A WITH KEITH CHRISTENSON
LIKE MEDIA TEAM
OWNER OF CHRISTENSON CONSTRUCTION
Hummingbird Haven Preschool & Kindergarten
Christenson Construction is a family-run general contracting company serving North Idaho. In this Q&A, the founder shares what led him to start the business, how working with family shapes each project, and why hands-on involvement, strong partnerships, and straightforward communication matter from start to finish.
Q&A
Q.What initially motivated you to build a general contracting business in North Idaho, and how has the community shaped your approach?
A. My family and I moved here in 2021, and we have embraced every aspect of life in North Idaho. We love this community and the incredible natural beauty we’re surrounded by. We love the hardworking, loyal, and honest people who make North Idaho home, and we are blessed to be a part of this wonderful community.
The Sandpoint area has grown quickly over the last five years, and even with a recent slowdown in construction, we’ve been fortunate to stay busy. After moving here, we realized there was plenty of opportunity for me to hang my own shingle as a General Contractor (GC). Christenson Construction focuses on building custom new homes and doing major remodels. We’re just finishing a 5,000 sq ft custom home build in Clark Fork, which has been a fun project. I love working with clients to envision their dream home and then seeing it come to life!
Q.Your wife, Sara, and your sons, Bennett and Caleb, are all part of the business. How has working as a family influenced the way you operate and the values you bring to each project?
A. “Faith, family, and community” are the values that are the cornerstone of our family life. I love that we are able to build this company and incorporate those values into our work life. Building a business as a family and establishing a legacy for my boys gives our work extra meaning and focus.
Q.Bennett and Caleb both work alongside you in the field. What strengths or perspectives do they bring that contribute to the future direction of the company?
A. My boys have both been working with me part-time since 2021, so they already have a good deal of experience in the construction industry. It’s been fun to watch them acquire new skills, learn, and grow, and it’s reinforced my belief in encouraging young people to get into the trades or at least learn hands-on skills. My sons each bring unique strengths — leadership, attention to detail, and enthusiasm, to name a few — and new ideas to the table, and are a great asset to our team.
Q.For readers who may not be familiar with Christenson Construction, how would you describe the types of projects you specialize in and the craftsmanship that sets your work apart?
A. Christenson Construction is a General Contractor specializing in new home construction and remodels. We are committed to quality at every level. We approach each project with careful planning, clear communication, and skilled craftsmanship to create spaces that reflect how our clients live. We’re a small, family business, not a large company, so our clients get very personalized service.
I come from a long lineage of Swedish woodworkers going back six generations. In fact, my great-great-grandfather used to buy old farmhouses in Minnesota, fix them up, and sell them. He was one of the original “flippers.” I did a fair amount of woodworking with my Dad growing up, and I continue to have an affinity for woodworking projects, particularly designing and building custom cabinets and finish carpentry.
I’m the GC who’s always wearing a tool belt. I’m on the job site every day, not only overseeing but working alongside my crew and our subcontractors. I love what I do — creating and working with my hands, and seeing the fruit of my labor. My goal is to make the building or remodeling process smooth and transparent, with happy clients from the first conversation to the final walkthrough!
Q.What types of relationships have you built with subcontractors, and why are those partnerships so important to the way you operate?
A. There are so many skilled contractors in the Sandpoint area with whom we love working — honest, hardworking, genuine people who do such a fantastic job and really care about their clients. I couldn’t do what I do as a General Contractor without them, so it’s a blessing to include them as part of the team we work with on our clients’ projects.
Q.As your sons continue to grow in the business, what matters most to you about the legacy you’re building together through your company?
A. It’s very fulfilling to see the progress at job sites day to day, and to watch a client’s vision materialize as their house is completed. There’s a lot of job satisfaction, and I’m grateful my boys get to experience it. Building a company together has been a great opportunity to teach them hands-on skills they’ll use the rest of their lives, whether they stay in construction or not. They’ve also learned to interact with clients, solve problems, and value perfection in everything we do.
18TH ANNUAL HEART BALL
Through the Looking Glass
AN EVENING SUPPORTING SURGICAL UPGRADES AT BONNER GENERAL HEALTH by LIKE MEDIA TEAM
OnFebruary 21, 2026, the 18th Annual Heart Ball returns as one of the most meaningful nights on the local calendar. The evening brings together celebration, purpose, and community commitment, all in support of critical surgical upgrades at Bonner General Health. Hosted by the Bonner General Health Foundation, the Heart Ball has become a defining nonprofit event, reflecting both the generosity and the priorities of the community it serves.
What began nearly two decades ago as a creative vision has grown into a tradition that many consider a fixture of the winter season. The original idea, brought to life by Howard and Georgia Simmons with the encouragement and support of former Bonner General Health CEO Sheryl Rickard, focused on supporting the local hospital while creating an event to bring people together. That vision resonated, and over time, it has become a cornerstone fundraiser that consistently sells out and is known for both its impact and celebratory spirit.
Today, guests mark the Heart Ball on their calendars months in advance. For many, it has become an annual date night or a special evening shared with friends and colleagues. It stands out not only for its cause but for its atmosphere. The Heart Ball remains one of the last local events where the evening reliably ends on the dance floor, offering a joyful close to a night rooted in generosity and connection.
As the event enters its 18th year, the Heart Ball reflects both continuity and evolution. While Howard and Georgia Simmons have taken a thoughtful step back this year, they have entrusted the event to a carefully selected committee committed to honoring the heart, intention, and standards that have defined it since the beginning. Their influence remains deeply woven into the event, from its sense of purpose to its attention to detail. The 2026 theme, Through the Looking Glass, carries that spirit forward, offering a sense of familiarity paired with a touch of surprise and wonder.
At the center of this year’s Heart Ball is a cause touching nearly every family in the region: surgical upgrades. Each year, the Heart Ball's focus is selected through collaboration among the Bonner General Health Board of Directors, senior leadership, key stakeholders, and the Foundation Board. The goal is to identify projects that fall outside the hospital’s traditional operating budget while delivering lasting improvements to patient care.
Surgery plays a vital role at Bonner General Health. The hospital’s surgical team performs approximately 3,000 procedures each year. These include emergency surgeries, preventative procedures such as colonoscopies, cataract surgeries, breast cancer treatment, orthopedic procedures, total joint replacements, and spine surgery. Each procedure represents a real person, our friends and neighbors, who rely on having access to safe and effective care close to home.
Proceeds from the 2026 Heart Ball will support essential surgical infrastructure improvements designed to enhance patient safety today and prepare the hospital for future growth. The primary project is an upgrade to the surgical air handler system. This system delivers consistent, temperature-controlled airflow in the operating rooms and plays a critical role in maintaining a clean surgical environment, significantly reducing the risk of surgical site infections.
Beyond its immediate benefits, this improvement establishes a foundation for future expansion and advanced technology, including the potential for robotic surgical capabilities. It is an investment that looks ahead while addressing current needs. If funding allows, additional improvements may include updates to pre-operative and post-operative spaces. These enhancements are intended to create environments that feel more modern, private, and comfortable for patients and their families during important and often stressful moments.
The vision for the 2026 Heart Ball has also been shaped by reflection on past events. Feedback from guests, sponsors, and volunteers is taken seriously and used to refine the experience each year. Volunteers play a central role in shaping the event. Nearly 50 individuals donate their time to transform the fairgrounds into an elegant venue, guide guests throughout the evening, and restore the space afterward. Their perspective helps improve everything from event flow to logistics, and their commitment is essential to the Heart Ball’s success.
For those attending the Heart Ball for the first time, the experience is designed to feel both welcoming and impressive. Guests arrive to find a familiar space transformed into a setting filled with warmth, creativity, and intention. It is one of the few nights in town that invites formal cocktail attire, with a practical local note. Boots are encouraged for navigating the grounds, with heels in hand until inside.
The evening begins with thoughtful touches reflecting community involvement at every level. Local Sandpoint High School HOSA students greet guests at coat check, assisting with coats and boots, and adding a meaningful element of youth participation. Bonner General Health CEO John Hennessy and CFO Skyler Twidt welcome attendees with a glass of champagne, setting the tone for a smooth check-in and a lively cocktail hour filled with conversation and connection.
As the night continues, guests enjoy dinner, participate in a live auction featuring standout packages, and sample locally crafted
desserts. Throughout the evening, stories shared from the stage connect the celebration back to its purpose, reminding guests why their presence and support matter. The night concludes with dancing, a hallmark of the Heart Ball and a fitting end to an evening defined by generosity and joy.
What continues to inspire people to return year after year is not only the experience but the shared belief behind it. In a rural community, access to quality healthcare is deeply personal. Nearly everyone has faced a moment when they or someone they love needed medical care close to home. The Heart Ball represents a collective commitment to ensuring that care remains available, safe, and advanced. Donors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees come together out of a shared sense of responsibility and pride in supporting their community hospital.
For the Heart Ball committee, Brittany Jacobson, Kathryn Merkeley, Casey McLaughlin, Kathy Marietta, Heather Upton, and Kate McAlister, the event carries both meaning and responsibility. Months of planning go into crafting an evening that feels intentional and seamless while honoring the cause it supports. They are joined by Foundation board members, Bonner General Health staff, and dedicated volunteers, each contributing their time and expertise toward a common goal.
When the final song plays and the evening comes to a close, the hope for the 18th Annual Heart Ball extends beyond the funds raised. The goal is that guests leave feeling connected and inspired to continue supporting their community. The Heart Ball serves as a reminder that sustaining local healthcare is a shared effort, shaped by many individuals working together with care and intention.
As the Heart Ball enters its 18th year, it stands as a reflection of what is possible when a community comes together around a common purpose. It honors the vision it created, responds to today's needs, and invests in the future of healthcare close to home.
BIG WARMTH BIG WARMTH small spaces
by LIKE MEDIA TEAM
How thoughtful winter living creates comfort in every space
February settles in quietly. The lake slows, snow holds in the trees, and home becomes the center of daily life. This is the time of year when small spaces matter most. Not as a design trend, but as the places where comfort, routine, and connection show up every day. When winter lingers and daylight is limited, square footage matters less compared to how well each space functions in support of real living.
Here, smaller homes take many forms. Compact cabins near the mountain, downtown condos, apartments above garages, and older houses with modest room sizes. What they share is potential. Thoughtful choices allow even limited spaces to feel grounded, layered, and comfortable through the coldest stretch of the year.
As winter shifts how rooms function, warmth begins with use. A breakfast nook becomes a reading corner. A spare bedroom serves as an office during the day and as a guest room when needed. Spaces that adapt naturally tend to feel better lived in. Furniture placement plays a role. A chair angled toward a heat source creates a natural pause point. A small table moved closer to a window invites morning light. These decisions shape how a space works from one part of the day to the next.
Materials and textures help fill a space with comfort, regardless of its size. Winter life brings boots, snow, and damp air, which makes durable surfaces practical. Balance comes through layering. A wool runner in a narrow hallway adds warmth underfoot and softens sound. Area rugs define seating zones while grounding furniture. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and leather bring texture and hold up well through seasonal wear. They feel appropriate and honest, especially in homes built for four distinct seasons.
Lighting quietly changes how a room reads. Small spaces benefit from light sources placed at different heights. Table lamps, wall sconces, and low-profile floor lamps create depth and rhythm. In winter, warmer bulb temperatures matter. Soft light settles into corners and supports evenings spent indoors. Rooms feel calmer when light is intentional rather than centralized.
Color choices often carry more weight in smaller rooms. Deeper tones can work especially well during the winter months. Greens, clays, and soft charcoals add depth and reduce glare from snow-bright days. When paired with lighter trim or natural wood, these colors feel steady and balanced. They hold warmth visually and age well across seasons.
Storage determines whether a small space feels orderly or strained. Winter adds layers, gear, and daily accessories. Well-planned storage keeps these items accessible while keeping them out of sight. Built-in benches with hidden compartments, wall-mounted shelves, and multi-use furniture help maintain clarity. Clear surfaces give the eye room to rest, which is especially important in compact rooms.
Heat sources naturally anchor a space. Wood stoves, gas inserts, and even radiators influence how furniture is arranged. Seating oriented toward warmth creates gathering points. A bench near a stove becomes a favorite place to pause. These arrangements support conversation and quiet moments alike.
Windows deserve attention during the winter months. Light is limited but meaningful. Simple window treatments let daylight penetrate deeper into a room. Linen or wool-blend curtains add insulation and structure. In the evening, closing them creates a sense of enclosure that feels intentional and calming.
Personal details carry more presence in small spaces; fewer objects mean each one has purpose. A hand-thrown mug, a framed photograph, or a small stack of books brings familiarity. These details add quiet character to a space, giving rooms personality without excess.
As close, cozy living brings certain things into focus, winter has a way of clarifying what matters at home. It becomes more noticeable which rooms are used every day, where people naturally gather, and which pieces of furniture earn their place in the home (or quietly get in the way). During the colder months, those patterns are hard to ignore.
The small adjustments made now are likely to carry forward, even as winter makes its way into spring. When rooms are shaped around daily habits and seasonal needs, they work better long after winter fades. Comfort settles in through thoughtful use, not square footage.
welcome HOME
ESTATE REAL
Sandpoint, Idaho
THE EARLY-BIRD ADVANTAGE For Buyers
Buying ahead of the season in Sandpoint’s 2026 market
by LIKE MEDIA TEAM
In Sandpoint real estate, timing plays a real significant role in how deals come together. Buyers who begin their search early in the year often gain access to opportunities that fade once spring activity accelerates. The early months may feel quieter, but that slower pace gives prepared buyers more control, more options, and stronger negotiating positions.
Sandpoint’s real estate cycle remains seasonal. Inventory typically builds before summer, while buyer demand grows steadily as the weather improves and seasonal residents return. Buyers who step in ahead of that surge benefit from breathing room. They have more time to evaluate neighborhoods, review disclosures carefully, and make decisions without the urgency that defines late spring and summer.
Early listings also tend to reflect motivated sellers. Many homeowners list in late winter or early spring due to job changes, school planning, or construction timelines. Those motivations often lead to pricing strategies that invite conversation rather than competition. Buyers entering the market early are more likely to negotiate inspection credits, closing flexibility, or financing concessions before multiple offers narrow those possibilities.
Choice is another clear advantage of an early start. Early buyers often see homes before attention intensifies. That can include properties with acreage, homes that need modest updates, or well-located listings that would draw heavy interest later in the season. With fewer buyers competing, it becomes easier to compare options and avoid rushed decisions.
Financing conditions also favor early preparation. Lenders often have greater availability earlier in the year, which can mean quicker communication and smoother approvals. Buyers who secure pre-approval early are positioned to move decisively when the right property comes on the market. In a market like Sandpoint, moving quickly with solid financing makes a difference.
Local inventory patterns reinforce this approach. Many sellers prefer to list before summer to avoid peak traffic and secure a contract before busy months. Homes near schools, services, and access points to outdoor recreation often surface early. Buyers who track listings consistently can identify value before competition intensifies across Sandpointand surrounding areas.
New construction buyers see even greater benefits from starting early. Builders often finalize schedules, subcontractors, and material orders well in advance of summer. Early buyers can influence timelines, lock in selections, and reduce the risk of seasonal delays. That head start can be the difference between a timely move-in and waiting another year.
Sellers also gain advantages by understanding the early-bird dynamic. Listing earlier in the year attracts serious, prepared, and financially qualified buyers. These buyers are focused on closing, not browsing. With accurate pricing and strong presentation, sellers can secure clean contracts without prolonged days on market.
Preparation is the shared takeaway for both sides. Buyers benefit from reviewing finances, confirming pre-approval, and clarifying priorities before touring homes. Sellers benefit from pricing based on current data rather than last summer’s peak activity. Local expertise matters here. Understanding neighborhood-specific demand and seasonal behavior helps align expectations and avoid missteps.
The early season also simplifies inspections and due diligence. Inspectors, contractors, and service providers are generally more available before summer demand spikes. That availability shortens timelines and reduces friction during escrow, which benefits both buyers and sellers.
Early action does not guarantee the perfect outcome, but it creates leverage. Buyers gain control over pace and terms. Sellers connect with a motivated audience sooner. In a market shaped by seasons, weather, and lifestyle, timing remains one of the few advantages buyers can still influence.
For those planning a move in 2026, the strategy is straightforward. Start earlier than expected. Monitor the market closely. Be prepared to act when the right opportunity appears. In Sandpoint, the early-bird advantage is less about rushing and more about being ready before the rush begins.
MARKET REPORT
Pre-Spring Search Activity Signals Early Market Movement
Search activity in the Sandpoint real estate market typically increases in late winter as buyers prepare for spring listings. Early indicators include more online property views, higher engagement with local agents, and renewed interest in lakefront, in-town, and recreational properties. Well-priced homes are drawing attention before formal spring inventory arrives. Sellers are using this period to evaluate pricing and timing, while buyers who act early may face less competition and gain leverage in negotiations before demand peaks later in the season.
Camp Bay Estates
CA
FEBRUARY 2026
CALENDAR OF EVENTS EVENTS
PAPER FLOWERS “REMEMBERING FLEETWOOD MAC" WITH THE WAITING
FEB
Paper Flowers: Remembering Fleetwood Mac takes the stage on February 13 at Live From the Hive for an evening of timeless music and rich harmonies. This tribute performance honors the iconic sound and legacy of Fleetwood Mac, blending faithful interpretations with fresh energy. Joined by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tribute band, The Waiting, for a special Winter Carnival kickoff, the night offers a dynamic mix of classic songs and an engaging live music experience. Visit LiveFromtheHive.com for details.
FARMERS' MARKET AT SANDPOINT- WINTER MARKET
Spend your Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market at Sandpoint Winter Market on February 14, where local food, handcrafted goods, and community come together in an indoor setting. Hosted by the Farmers’ Market at Sandpoint, the winter market features regional farmers, makers, and specialty food vendors offering seasonal produce and unique local finds. It’s an easy way to shop local, support small businesses, and enjoy a midwinter outing. Visit SandpointFarmersMarket.com for details. 14 FEB
18TH ANNUAL HEART BALL: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
On February 21, 2026, the 18th Annual Heart Ball returns, hosted by the Bonner General Health Foundation. The elegant event supports critical surgical upgrades at Bonner General Health and brings celebration and purpose together. Guests enjoy dinner, inspiring stories, live and silent auctions, and a night that traditionally ends on the dance floor. With the 2026 theme, Through the Looking Glass, the Heart Ball continues its legacy of supporting local healthcare. Visit BonnerGeneral.org for details.
PHILLIP KOPCZYNSKI PRESENTS: COMEDY AVALANCHE
On February 21, Phillip Kopczynski presents Comedy Avalanche at the Panida Theater, delivering a night of sharp wit and nonstop laughs. This high-energy comedy showcase features a lineup of talented comedians performing a range of stand-up styles, from quick punchlines to longer storytelling sets. The intimate venue creates a lively atmosphere, making it a great option for a fun night out with friends. Visit Panida.org for show details and tickets, and a live comedy experience.
THIRD ANNUAL SHIELD RAISERS GALA
On February 27, the Third Annual Shield Raisers Gala takes place at Valor Christian School in Sandpoint, benefiting Christ-centered education. This semi-formal dinner and auction features catering by Ivanos, a sweet dessert auction from local professional bakers, a silent auction, and a meaningful paddle raise supporting Valor’s students. The evening brings together teachers, leaders, and families with a shared goal of raising $75,000 to advance the school’s mission. Tickets and details are available at ValorSandpoint.com/shield. 27 FEB
53rd Annual Sandpoint
WINTER CARNIVAL
13-22 FEBRUARY
From February 13–22, Sandpoint turns winter into a town-wide celebration with the 53rd annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival, packing ten days with parades, concerts, mountain events, trivia, food, and plenty of late-winter energy. The fun kicks off Friday night with the Parade of Lights winding through downtown, followed by block parties, live music, and a packed concert schedule, including Paper Flowers’ Remembering Fleetwood Mac and Valentine’s weekend shows at Live From the Hive.
Presidents’ Day weekend brings added momentum, with Schweitzer hosting special events on the mountain while downtown fills with Valentine’s dinners, trivia nights, dance classes, sleigh ride concerts, and the Winter Farmers’ Market. Throughout the week, locals and visitors can catch bluegrass jams, live radio performances at the Panida, concerts at the 219 Lounge and Panida Theater, and community-driven events that highlight Sandpoint’s creative spirit.
As Winter Carnival heads into its final weekend, highlights include Comedy Avalanche at the Panida, a pickleball tournament benefiting local firefighters, Family Day on the Cedar Street Bridge, and plenty of après-ski opportunities. The celebration wraps up Sunday, February 22, with the beloved Eichardt’s K9 Keg Pull, where dogs of all sizes race down Cedar Street pulling kegs for prizes and charity.
Events are added as they’re confirmed. Visit SandpointWinterCarnival.com for updates and full details.
WHERE A COMMUNITY ONCE GATHERED, AND STILL DOES
Back when Sandpoint was a railroad and mill town through and through, that brick Post Office sat downtown like it wasn’t going anywhere. Built in 1928, it stood as an example of the Federal government's solidity in the rapidly growing West.
Winter was when it really earned its keep. Roads were icy, travel was slow, and the Post Office was how people stayed connected. Christmas cards, Valentine notes, family photos, packages wrapped with twine, and the occasional dollar bill slipped into an envelope all passed across that counter. You stood in line, nodded to neighbors, and felt a little less cut off from the rest of the world.
In 1966, the federal government moved its operations out, but the town wasn’t about to waste a perfectly good building. It became City Hall and the library, serving the community for decades after that.
When it finally served its last government function, folks wondered what would become of it. Turns out, it landed just fine. Thanks to Mickey and Duffy Mahoney, the building has been restored to its original grandeur as MickDuff’s Brewpub.
Funny how the old Post Office keeps doing what it always has: bringing people together.
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