GoSandpointMay2026 by Like Media

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!

A Higher Standard of Real Estate Marketing

At Elite Realty Partners, we believe every home deserves exceptional marketing and that great exposure doesn’t happen by accident.

Voted Best Real Estate Agency in 2024 and 2025, our team has built a reputation around a passion for innovative marketing, cinematic video production, and cutting-edge technology designed to help homes stand out in a crowded market.

From high-end photography and compelling video to strategic digital placement and immersive online presentation, we’re constantly investing in better ways to showcase the homes we represent.

That’s why every home we list is featured on Zillow Showcase — a premium listing experience designed to highlight only a limited number of homes in each market, giving your home an advantage in front of more buyers with a stronger, more engaging presentation.

Because in today’s market, it’s not just about being listed. It’s about being seen. And remembered.

If you’re thinking about selling, work with a team that believes your home deserves more than the bare minimum.

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

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Jackson Russo | jackson@like-media.com

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Taylor Shillam | taylor@like-media.com

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie

DESIGN DIRECTOR | Darbey Russo

SENIOR DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew

SENIOR DESIGNER | Sam Stoke

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 Caleb Bowman, The Bonner County Historical Society & Museum

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer: Rebecca Miller Photography pg. 1, 16-17

Jason Duchow Photography pg. 31-32 Courtesy Photos: Lost in the 50's Bonner County Historical Society & Museum

Saving for Retirement: Are You Guessing or Planning?

Eric & Cory Donenfeld, co-owners of Northwest Auto Body

in the ’50s: Sandpoint’s Biggest Weekend Is Back

Athlete of the Month: Brennan Shaw

Bulldogs in May: Peaking for Postseason

Live Give 7B: Bonner County’s Community-Wide Week of Giving

Eric and Cory Donenfeld stand alongside their father, Mel, representing three generations of the Donenfeld family behind Northwest Auto Body. For more than 50 years, the Donenfeld family has served Bonner and Boundary counties with a clear standard rooted in the Golden Rule. Their approach remains consistent today, built on trust, quality work, and a strong connection to the community in which they were born and raised.

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.

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.

We want to take this time to thank all of our wonderful patrons. Your business and support of our family is so very much appreciated. We here at Burlwood Dreams take pride in creating for you beautiful and timeless artistic, functional pieces to accent and enhance your beautiful home. For over 30 years my passion has been working with live edge unusual burls and exotic wood with amazing character and grain.

Whether it’s a piece from our store or a wonderful one-of-a-kind design from a joint effort of your creativity and our ability, you can be certain we will hand make your special piece with the highest of standard to last for years of enjoyment, reliability, dependability, honesty and integrity. These are the values upon which we live our lives and base our business upon.

We look forward to serving our customers both local and abroad now and in the future.

Again thank you so very much, ~ owners Corey & Zephania

Hand Crafted. Natural Wood Creations

We Support Veterans All Year Long!

Saving for Retirement: ARE YOU GUESSING OR PLANNING?

Let’s say you dream of spending your retirement mornings on a warm beach, coffee in hand, waves rolling in. To get there, you had a simple plan: save $1 million and buy the beach house you always wanted.

But when retirement arrives, reality hits. After accounting for keeping your current home, everyday expenses and health care, $1 million doesn't stretch as far as you thought, and the beach house remains a dream. The problem wasn't your discipline – it was that your number was never really your number. It was arbitrary, not anchored to what your ideal retirement would actually cost.

How can you make sure your retirement number is right for you?

A solid savings goal starts with a clear picture of the retirement you want. Think through where you plan to live, whether you'll keep your current home or downsize, how much you plan to travel, if you'll help children and grandchildren financially and what health care might cost you later in life. Build a realistic monthly budget, then multiply by 12 months to find your annual need. Adjust this amount for inflation until the first year of retirement.

Then, multiply that figure by 25 to get a sense of how much may be needed to save. It's a formula based on the idea of withdrawing 4% annually from your savings, assuming you retire in your mid-60s. If you need $60,000 a year, your target is around $1.5 million. You may need more or less depending on your lifestyle, health, unexpected expenses, Social Security benefits and other income. No single rate or strategy will work for everyone. A financial advisor can help you determine your number and strategy.

Once you know your target, the path forward becomes clearer. Here are a few tips for the next steps:

• Start early. The sooner you begin saving, the more time compound interest has to work in your favor. Small amounts set aside automatically each paycheck have the opportunity to grow significantly over decades.

• Live below your means. Spending less than you earn is one of the most powerful wealthbuilding habits. When your income rises, save and invest the difference instead of upgrading your lifestyle.

• Keep your debt under control. Since credit cards and other high-interest debt can slow your progress, pay off balances monthly when possible.

• Invest consistently. If your employer offers a 401(k), aim to contribute at least 10%-15% of your salary, and increase your contributions after every raise. If you max out your 401(k), a traditional IRA or Roth IRA may offer additional tax-advantaged growth (eligibility and contribution limits apply).

• Boost your income when you can. Develop new skills, ask for a raise or explore a side income. Every extra dollar saved moves you closer to your goal.

The difference between a retirement you love and one full of compromises often comes down to the planning you do today. Know your real number, build a solid plan and get the right help along the way.

This article was written by Edward Jones for

your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Caleb Bowman

Q&A with ERIC & CORY DONENFELD

Q.Northwest Auto Body is turning 50. What does it feel like to carry this legacy forward?

CO-OWNERS OF NORTHWEST AUTO BODY

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

When Northwest Auto Body was founded more than 50 years ago by Mel Donenfeld, it started as a small shop with a dirt floor and a clear standard: treat people fairly and do the job right. Built on the Golden Rule, that approach earned lasting trust across Bonner and Boundary counties and continues to guide the business today.

A. We treat our customers and coworkers like they are our family. I can’t tell you how many families come to us through referrals and how many newcomers find us through our high Google ratings and word of mouth. That’s also how we find and keep great employees. People want to work where they are appreciated, trained, and compensated well.

That’s how the legacy continues at Northwest Auto Body, one person at a time.

Q.Your father, Mel, built this business. How do you honor what he started while adding your own direction?

A. Eric and I were born and raised in this community and grew up in this business, went away to college, and came back to learn it. I hope we honor him every day by the way we run Northwest Auto Body. He will be the first to say that with technology changing so fast, he doesn’t recognize how we do some things.

What he does see is how we ensure our technicians keep up with training and are supported by state-of-the-art equipment. He is also keenly aware of how we treat our employees and customers.

One new direction for us was purchasing Accurate Collision in Bonners Ferry two years ago. Kay (Burdick) had a thriving shop there, and we told her that if she was ready to retire, we would love to talk. She took us up on it, and we haven’t looked back.

Q.What services does Northwest Auto Body specialize in?

A. Collision repair is our wheelhouse. We work with every insurance company and handle repairs when customers choose not to file a claim. In each case, we look out for our customers.

Some insurance companies are challenging to work with, which frustrates people. That’s where we step in. It is painful enough to be in an accident without the added hassle.

We are known for the quality of our repairs and paint, as well as our lifetime warranty. We also have more than 50 sublet partners who help us, and we are thankful for those relationships.

Q.Is there a moment that really captures what Northwest Auto Body is all about?

A. Believe it or not, this happens in our shops all the time. We are now seeing the third generation of customers. When grandma and grandad recommend a shop to their grandkids, it means something, and we don’t take it for granted.

Q.How has Sandpoint supported your business, and how have you given back over the years?

A. We mentioned legacy earlier, and that really means something to us. We are all in this together and need to lift each other up. We have a symbiotic relationship with this community. We can’t exist without them, and we believe it’s stronger because we’re here.

We support many causes and take pride in the impact we’ve made through Deervember. For the past decade, we’ve partnered with Washington Trust and Eric Paull to raise funds for the Bonner County Food Bank.

Each November, we donate $50 per animal strike, and Washington Trust matches it. With more businesses joining in, this year’s total topped $32,000, including $7,000 from Northwest Auto Body, a new record.

We don’t say no very well to nonprofit groups seeking support, and that is a good thing.

Q.From one shop on Michigan Street to 36 employees and three locations, what are you most proud of?

A. We are proud and grateful at the same time. Fifty years doesn’t come easily. We think about the hundreds of employees and thousands of customers as we prepare for the future.

We couldn’t be located in a better part of the country or surrounded by better people. The quality of life here is second to none, and we continue to attract employees who want to grow with us.

We are proud of the work we do and grateful for the opportunity to help people through a difficult time and to serve people just like you.

1569 Gooby Rd, Sandpoint, Idaho

Nearly 7 private acres just minutes from town—featuring panoramic Lake Pend Oreille and Cabinet Mountain views. Located on a quiet, county-maintained road only 1.5 miles from Sandpoint city limits, this 2021-built singlelevel home offers 2,447 sq ft with 3 beds, 2.5 baths, and an open layout with timberframe accents, cathedral ceilings, and a stunning rock inglenook fireplace.

The chef’s kitchen features a 10’ island, Thermador appliances, and custom cabinetry, while a covered deck and screened porch are perfectly positioned to take in the views. The property offers mature landscaping, a fenced garden, fruit trees, irrigation, and open pasture. A fully finished 30’x40’ shop with loft, RV access, full bath, laundry, and kitchenette adds incredible flexibility. Suburban zoning allows for a potential second residence.

Minutes to downtown Sandpoint, Schweitzer, Pine Street Woods, and Mickinnick Trail—this is North Idaho living at its best.

Experience the full property-scan the QR code with your phone for details, photos, and video.

This home is featured on Zillow Showcase, a premium listing experience designed to highlight only a limited number of homes in each market, giving your home an advantage in front of more buyers with a stronger, more engaging presentation.

REAL

Idaho ESTATE

SANDPOINT'S Micro-Markets

How neighborhood-level differences shape pricing, demand, and performance

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

WEhen people refer to “the Sandpoint market,” they often speak as if it moves in one direction at a single pace. It does not. Sandpoint functions as a collection of micro-markets, each with distinct buyer behavior, pricing patterns, and absorption rates. Two homes with similar square footage and condition can perform very differently depending on where they are located.

Understanding those differences is what separates broad assumptions from informed decisions.

DOWNTOWN SANDPOINT

Downtown continues to command a premium on price per square foot. Walkability to restaurants, the marina, City Beach, and year-round community events drive consistent demand. Lot sizes are typically smaller, and available inventory is limited, which supports pricing stability relative to other areas.

Buyers in this segment often prioritize access over acreage. Many are second-home owners or remote professionals who value proximity to amenities. When priced in line with recent comparable sales, wellprepared properties in the downtown core often attract early attention.

At the same time, downtown buyers review comparable data carefully. Pricing beyond recent market evidence can extend days on market even in this desirable location.

NEIGHBORHOODS SOUTH OF DOWNTOWN

The residential neighborhoods directly south of downtown, stretching from the Lake Street and Ontario Street corridor toward the base of the Long Bridge, operate differently from the downtown core.

Proximity to Lake Pend Oreille continues to influence value, but lot size, elevation, and direct water access create variation within short distances. Some homes offer immediate access to the Pend Oreille Bay Trail or nearby waterfront areas, while others are farther inland and have different pricing dynamics.

Floodplain boundaries and insurance considerations also factor into buyer due diligence in certain sections. These elements do not affect every property, but they are part of the evaluation process in this part of town.

The buyer profile here is mixed. Full-time residents appreciate close access to downtown without being in the center of activity. Secondhome buyers often focus on proximity to lakes and seasonal usability.

Because inventory can vary block by block, pricing requires analyzing recent sales in the immediate area rather than relying on broader city averages.

SAGLE AND THE WEST SIDE

Across the Long Bridge, Sagle presents a different market profile. Acreage, privacy, and mountain or lake views become primary value drivers. Well and septic systems are common, and buyers consider the condition of the infrastructure as part of their overall evaluation.

Properties in this micro-market often have higher overall price points due to land size, yet marketing timelines can be longer than for in-town listings. The buyer profile often leans toward full-time residents seeking space rather than walkability. Pricing in Sagle requires careful comparison of land quality, topography, access, and build specifications. Two properties may be geographically close but materially different in value due to terrain, views, or road access. Broad averages rarely provide accurate guidance here.

SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN AREA

The Schweitzer Mountain area functions within its own seasonal rhythm. Proximity to ski access, year-round recreation, and rental potential influences demand. Shortterm rental performance can affect buyer interest in ways that differ from traditional residential neighborhoods.

Buyer activity may increase ahead of ski season and again during summer recreation months. Market timelines can shift based on seasonality, snow conditions, and tourism cycles.

In this segment, valuation often reflects both lifestyle use and potential rental income. Sellers who understand these dual factors tend to position their properties more effectively within this niche.

HOPE AND THE EAST LAKE CORRIDOR

Hope and the east side of Lake Pend Oreille represent a more limited inventory environment. Waterfront properties in this corridor are relatively scarce, which supports long-term value retention. Ownership periods are often longer, resulting in fewer transactions than in more central areas.

Buyer demand in this region is closely tied to waterfront access, dock capacity, shoreline characteristics, and orientation. When a premium property becomes available, it typically attracts a focused pool of qualified buyers.

Because transaction volume is lower, pricing requires careful interpretation of recent sales rather than reliance on broad regional trends.

THE BROADER TAKEAWAY

Sandpoint cannot be evaluated as a single pricing environment. Downtown, the neighborhoods south of downtown, Sagle, the Schweitzer Mountain area, and the Hope and East Lake corridor each operate under different supply constraints and buyer priorities.

For sellers, this means pricing must reflect neighborhood-specific data rather than county-wide averages. For buyers, it means that comparing properties across micromarkets without adjusting for location differences can lead to inaccurate conclusions. Location has always mattered in real estate. In Sandpoint, it does more than influence value. It shapes how and when a property performs.

REAL ESTATEMarket Report

Median Sales Price

$592,500

+7.4% year-over-year

Median Days on Market -103 year-over-year

Number of Homes Sold -46.7% year-over-year

Homes Sold Above List Price -6.7 pt year-over-year

99.3%

Sale-to-List Price +0.8 pt year-over-year

20.8% Homes with Price Drops +4.5 pt year-over-year

*Data provided by Redfin.com, collected from March 2026

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 shovel-ready

Sandpoint’s Biggest Weekend IS BACK IS BACK Lost in the ’50s

A 39-year tradition of classic cars, rock ’n’ roll, and packed downtown streets returns this May

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Poodle skirts. Saddle shoes. The rumble of a 327 small block off Cedar Street storefronts. Lost in the '50s is back, and this May marks thirty-nine years of Sandpoint's biggest weekend.

The 2026 celebration runs Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, packing three days of classic cars, live rock 'n' roll, and a downtown street party that turns the whole town into a time machine. Hundreds of cars from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond will roll into Sandpoint for the occasion, filling the streets with chrome, candy paint, and the kind of craftsmanship that stops you mid-step on the sidewalk. For nearly four decades, this event has been the unofficial kickoff to summer. The weekend locals reclaim downtown. Kids dance next to grandparents on the same block of pavement, and the roar of vintage engines bouncing between First Avenue and Cedar signals that the long days are here. It is Sandpoint at its loudest, its most colorful, and arguably its most fun.

It all started in 1986. Carolyn Gleason and a group of organizers put together a concert featuring original rock 'n' roll guest artists as a fundraiser for the Festival at Sandpoint. A small car show followed, set up in the parking lot of the old Vintage Wheel Museum. Twenty-six cars showed up that first year, most belonging to local enthusiasts. Gleason had never even been to a car show. She just believed the idea had legs.

Four decades later, Lost in the '50s draws between 500 and 600 cars annually and has hosted more than 70 original artists from the golden age of rock 'n' roll, including Bobby Vee and The Righteous Brothers. What began as a one-time fundraiser became a Sandpoint institution, powered by volunteers, sponsors, and a founder who never planned to do it more than once. "I never thought it would go on for years," Gleason says. "I wasn't thinking past the first year. We just wanted to see how many of the original rock and rollers we could get."

That spirit, equal parts ambition and humility, still drives the event today.

The 2026 weekend opens Thursday, May 14, with the traditional welcome party at Connie’s Cafe. Starting at 5 pm and running until the fun winds down, it's the warm-up that sets the tone for everything that follows. Live music fills the space. The beer garden opens. Car owners, longtime attendees, and first-timers mix under the same roof. If you're new to town, this is where you start to get the hang of it.

Friday adds a new element this year: Cars & Coffee from 9 to 11 am at Connie's Cafe, hosted by the Idaho Club, with coffee and donuts served while guests take in the early arrivals.

The main event on Friday is the cruise and parade, rolling out at 6 pm from the Sandpoint High School parking lot. Parade participants can begin lining up at 4 pm. The route winds through town as spectators line the sidewalks, chairs already staked out hours earlier by locals who know the drill. Chrome catches the late afternoon light. Engines growl. Kids point and wave. Even those who don’t know a flathead from a Hemi stop and stare.

After the parade wraps, head downtown for the street party. All ages, all welcome. Then the evening shifts into a reunion-style night built around years of music from past guest artists, with giveaways throughout. Rocky and the Rollers, the event’s longtime house band, return once again to keep the music rolling.

Saturday, May 16, is the centerpiece of the weekend. The classic car show takes over downtown Sandpoint, with check-in starting at 6:30 am. The north entrance is on Alder Street, the south entrance on Third Avenue. Registration and check-in are at the corner of 1st Street and Cedar. All vehicles must be 1979 or older, and pre-registration closes Thursday, May 14, at noon. A special Lost in the '50s gift is reserved for the first 450 registrations.

By mid-morning, the streets between First, Cedar, Main, Second, and Third avenues are lined bumper to bumper with restored classics and customs. Hoods propped open. Owners nearby, ready to tell the story behind every panel, every paint choice, every engine swap. You can spend hours walking block by block, ducking into downtown shops and restaurants between rows of cars. The music carries from every direction. Rock 'n' roll from the stage mixes with conversations at the curb. The faint trace of motor oil and polished leather hangs in the air between blocks.

The show features sixteen registration classes, from Antique (pre-1932) to Stock, Modified, Street Rod, Traditional Hot Rod, Muscle Car, Sports Car, Import, Rat Rod, and everything in between, including a dedicated class for Tri Five Chevys and a Sport Utility class covering Broncos, Blazers, and Jeeps from 1965 to 1979. Whether you're showing a numbersmatching '57 Bel Air or a chopped and channeled '49 Mercury, there's a class for it.

Saturday evening moves to the Bonner County Fairgrounds with a headline performance from Chubby Checker and the Wildcats. A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Checker brings a catalog of hits that defined the era and still fill dance floors today.

For those spending the full weekend downtown, the Checkered Flag Package offers added value. For $20, you get a card with ten punches, each good for 10% off your bill for two at select downtown restaurants, including Baxters, Connie's Cafe, and Eichardt's, among others. Cards can be picked up at Connie's Cafe on Thursday or Friday, or at registration on Saturday. The package is valid May 14 through 17.

Event merchandise is available online through the registration page. T-shirts, which always capture the spirit of the era and the local flavor of the show, can be ordered in advance or picked up at the event.

What makes Lost in the '50s more than a car show or a concert series is the community that builds around it every single year. Families who have attended since childhood now bring their own kids. Business owners who once danced in the streets as children now sponsor the event. The weekend generates its own gravity, pulling people back to Sandpoint from across the region, year after year, because the experience sticks with them long after the last engine shuts off.

The event is funded by T-shirt sales, concert tickets, car show entries, sponsorships, fundraisers, and donations. Every dollar keeps the tradition going for the next year.

And the kids are always at the center of it—dressed in letter sweaters and rolled-up jeans, spinning in the street to music from an era they've only heard about through their grandparents. They don't know who cut the original tracks. They don't care. They just know the beat is good and the energy around them is contagious. "When you see the kids dancing and laughing, they're getting a little history lesson, and they don't even know it," Gleason says.

Lost in the '50s didn't just appear. It's the product of countless hours from volunteers who show up year after year, many of them working behind the scenes in roles that rarely get public recognition. Gleason has always been clear about that. The event belongs to the people who built it, not any one person. From the crew that sets up barricades on Cedar Street to the sponsors who write checks to the families who pack the sidewalks, it takes the whole town.

Thirty-nine years in, the tradition holds. The cars still gleam under the North Idaho sun. The music still plays. And Sandpoint still shows up. For registration, tickets, merchandise, and the full event schedule, visit LostInThe50s.com. Follow Lost in the '50s on Facebook at Facebook.com/lost50s for updates as the weekend approaches.

ATHLETE BRENNAN SHAW OF THE MONTH

At17, Brennan Shaw competes across multiple varsity sports for Sandpoint High School. He pitches, covers third base, and patrols left field for the baseball team, and plays right back in soccer. Recognized this month for his contributions across two programs, the junior is a key piece of the Bulldogs baseball team chasing a state title run this spring.

Being named Athlete of the Month is something Brennan receives with gratitude pointed outward. "It means a lot that my head coach Jesse Dunham and our athletic director TJ Clary would recognize my efforts," he says. "We have a great team, and I am grateful that I get to play with these guys." The team, for him, is the point.

This season, his growth has been reflected in his mentality. "My mental preparation has been my biggest area of growth this year," Brennan says. "I have been focused on being the best at my roles and how it fits with what my team needs from me." He leans on a set pre-game routine, and the consistency keeps him locked in when the pressure builds.

For Brennan, motivation is simple. He loves the game and understands

that challenges are part of the work. That clarity keeps him steady when things get hard.

The list of people who have shaped him is long. Brennan moved to Sandpoint four years ago and landed on a Sandpoint Futures basketball team that made a run to the Washington state championship. Those coaches and teammates became family, and that experience shifted everything for him. He credits his coaches, family, teachers, and friends for the support he has found here, and says being part of this small community has been a game-changer for him.

Off the field, he fishes every chance he gets. He was a skier until his buddies talked him into trying a snowboard, and now he is committed to it.

Looking ahead, Brennan is taking it one game at a time with his sights on the state tournament. He does not focus on his stats. He focuses on working hard every time he takes the field, and he wants the senior class to leave Sandpoint High with a title. The phrase he carries with him comes from The Sandlot: "Heroes are remembered, but legends never die."

BULLDOGS IN MAY: PEAKING FOR THE

POSTSEASON

RECORDS FALLING, DISTRICTS AHEAD, STATE WITHIN REACH

by LIKE MEDIA TEAM

Sandpoint's spring push is on. Baseball leads the league. Records are falling on the track. Softball is fighting for its league footing. Districts and state are in sight.

Baseball has been the story of the season. First-year head coach Jesse Dunham has the Bulldogs sitting near the top of the 5A Inland Empire League, putting together one of the program's strongest stretches in recent memory. The run began with a sweep of Lewiston and rolled through matchups against Coeur d'Alene, Lake City, and Moscow. Pitching has set the tone, with the staff holding opposing bats in check game after game. The senior class, anchored by several college-bound veterans, has carried the lineup. This group is chasing Sandpoint's first district title and state appearance since 2021-22. State regionals run May 7-9. The 5A state championship follows May 14-16 at Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls.

Softball has had a tougher road this year, but head coach Leah Platt's squad has been finding its rhythm at the right time. A mid-April road win over Moscow underlined the growth: clean innings, timely hits, and pitching that went the distance. The bats have come alive, the defense has tightened, and league play is where the Bulldogs can still make their mark heading into district play. The 5A state tournament runs May 14-16 at Post Falls High.

Track and field has been the Bulldogs' loudest story this spring. School records have fallen across multiple invitationals, with both the boys' and girls' squads landing on the podium at deep, competitive meets across the region. The sprint and relay crews have set a fast tone, breaking program marks that had stood for years. Distance runners, throwers, and jumpers continue to push their own benchmarks meet by meet. More invitationals lead into league, district, and the 5A state meet, May 15-16 at Mountain View High.

May is where the year gets defined. Lineups tighten. Rotations settle. Margins narrow. The Bulldogs have built real momentum where it counts, and the next three weeks will decide how far this spring carries them.

The formula stays simple: compete, execute, and finish strong.

Bonners Ferry 208 267 1718

Priest River 208 448 2321

Sandpoint 208 265 6252

Sandpoint Behavioral Health 208 920 5151

WHERE TO STAY

Live Give 7B: Bonner County’s Community-Wide Week of Giving

May 4–7

Live Give 7B returns May 4–7, bringing together nonprofits, businesses, and residents across Bonner County for a coordinated week of giving designed to strengthen the community from within. Built in alignment with Idaho Gives, the campaign combines statewide reach with a focused local effort, helping donors connect directly with organizations making an impact close to home.

In its inaugural year, 73 nonprofits participated, raising more than $229,000 from 515 donors. In 2026, the focus shifts toward deeper preparation and stronger outcomes, with 46 organizations representing causes from housing and food security to education, conservation, and the arts. Expanded Nonprofit Growth Summits and collaborative planning have equipped participants with tools to improve messaging, outreach, and donor engagement.

The campaign concludes with a community celebration on May 8 from 3–6 pm at the HIVE in downtown Sandpoint, where totals and key moments from the week will be revealed.

To learn more, view participating nonprofits, or get involved, visit 7BGives.org.

02-17

MAY-OCT.

14-16 MAY

MAY 2026

SANDPOINT FARMERS’ MARKET

Stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items at the 2026 Sandpoint Farmers’ Market in downtown Sandpoint. This long-running community market brings together regional farmers, ranchers, food producers, and artisans throughout the season, offering consistent access to locally grown and made products. The market runs from May 2 through October 17. Check the official schedule for specific market days and hours. Visit SandpointFarmersMarket.com for vendor information and full event details.

LONG BRIDGE HALF MARATHON

Run one of North Idaho’s most scenic races at the 2026 Long Bridge Half Marathon on May 9. This popular event features a half-marathon course that crosses the iconic Long Bridge over Lake Pend Oreille, offering wide-open views and a memorable race-day experience. Participants of all levels are welcome, with an emphasis on community and a well-organized course. Registration details, course information, and event updates are available online. Visit FindARace.com for full event details and to sign up.

39TH ANNUAL LOST IN THE ‘50S

Step back in time at the 39th Annual Lost in the ’50s, taking place May 14–16, 2026, in Sandpoint. This long-running event celebrates classic cars, music, and 1950s nostalgia, drawing visitors from across the region. Highlights include a vintage car parade, car show, and live entertainment throughout the weekend. Known as one of Sandpoint’s signature events, it offers a full schedule of activities for attendees and participants alike. Visit Lostinthe50s.com for tickets, event details, and the full schedule.

22-23 MAY

COCOLALLA CONSERVATORY SCHOOL OF CLASSICAL BALLET PRESENTS: CINDERELLA

Step into a world of wonder with Cinderella, presented by the Cocolalla Conservatory School of Classical Ballet, May 22–23, 2026, at the Panida Theater. Featuring Prokofiev’s full classical score, this production brings the timeless fairytale to life through elegant choreography, exquisite costumes, and the artistry of dedicated young dancers. Filled with magic, romance, and the triumph of kindness, this performance is designed to captivate audiences of all ages. Visit Panida.org for showtimes, tickets, and full event details.

MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF SANDPOINT PRESENTS: SPRING SERENADE

An evening of live music takes center stage with the Spring Serenade, presented by the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint. Held May 31, 2026, this seasonal performance highlights the talent and dedication of local students and instructors, featuring a range of musical styles and ensembles. Designed to showcase the Conservatory’s commitment to music education in the community, the event offers an engaging and uplifting experience for attendees. Visit SandpointConservatory.org for event details, performance information, and ticket updates. 31 MAY

Events are subject to change. Check directly with organizers for the most current details.

local fun fact

LOST IN THE ’50S

HOW RESTORATION CULTURE TURNED MEMORY INTO MOTION IN SANDPOINT

brought to you by THE BONNER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM

Lost in the ’50s celebrates car restoration, which blossomed during the 1980s and helped give birth to Sandpoint’s signature event in 1986. By then, the cars of the 1950s had become memory machines. Baby boomers had money, garage space, and a longing for the world of cruising down First Avenue, sock hops, and hanging out on Saturday nights. Restoring old cars became a way to restore that feeling, blending craftsmanship, nostalgia, and plain old heart.

Half the fun was tracking down original parts and bringing a car back exactly as it rolled off the line. The other half was quietly making it better—improving brakes, ignition,

suspension, paint, and reliability without losing its soul. And when something baffled you, there was always that uncle or neighbor who could fix anything. He’d disappear into a shed full of coffee cans and mystery bolts, then come back holding a part that probably worked.

Then there were those who turned car restoration into an art form, which fits the Sandpoint vibe perfectly. Paint and chrome… wow.

Finally, then as now, you had to declare your loyalty: Ford or Chevy. Which side were you on?