What's Cooking on June 18th?

Discover the rich flavors of Sandpoint on Thursday, June 18th at Farmin Park and Main Street for the Sandpoint Summer Sampler. This 4th annual culinary extravaganza is a street party bustling with food and fun. From tasting delicious samples to enjoying the Litehouse Mystery Box Cooking Competition, the event is an annual favorite for all ages.

“You'll find tasty cuisine from some of our best eateries and some new ones you've been dying to try,” said executive director Amy Little.

“From samples of fine cuisine to family favorites, there is something for all to enjoy,” said Little. Families will enjoy Bab’s Pizzeria, Pine Street’s scrumptious delights, root beer floats and popcorn from Mountain West Bank, and more.

Culinary creations, wine, and brews will be available from many participating businesses including Big Bear Chocolates, Chimney Rock Grill, Connie’s Café, DISH, Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak, Mamasan’s & Blue Moon, Skeyes the Limit, Stage Right Cellars, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Laughing Dog Brewery, and more.

Again this year, the Chef’s Mystery Box Cooking Competition presented by Litehouse will continue the battle for the “best of” chef. With a mystery box of ingredients, the chefs will compete with their knives, spices and ingenuity for the traveling trophy and notoriety for their respective restaurant.

Come out for an evening of fun, food, and entertainment between 5 to 7:30 p.m. There is no fee to come to the Summer Sampler but prepare to buy lots of tickets for samples at $1 each, available at the event. Samples range in price from $3 to $7.

Bring your blanket and enjoy the atmosphere with incredible dishes from these popular restaurants and caterers, wine and brews, and come be a part of one of Sandpoint's finest summer events.

For more information, call the Chamber at 208.263.0887 or visit www.sandpointchamber.com.

Leadership Sandpoint Raises Over $2000 for DayBreak Center

On May 8th and 9th, the 2010 Leadership Sandpoint (LS) class held a Yard Sale at Taylor-Parker Motor Company to raise funds for the new DayBreak Center, a nonprofit organization operating under the Sandpoint Senior Center providing family support through dementia therapy to elder adults and respite time for their caregivers.

Each year the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Sandpoint class is exposed to nonprofit organizations in the area. “We were touched by many groups,” said class president Doug Lynch. “By far, the DayBreak Center was the most moving for our class, and the one organization that was in the most need,” he said.

The DayBreak Center recently moved to a new location at 321 South First Avenue and with their new facility, they did not have an area for their clients to be outside. Thus, the LS class agreed to build a secured garden area by organizing a yard sale wherein all moneys raised would build an access ramp and garden for clients to plant flowers and hopefully have their own garden.

“The success of the event was mainly due to the entire class working together,” said Lynch. “I loved being part of this event, because our class came together, worked hard, laughed too much, and raised over two thousand dollars for the DayBreak Center.”

The LS class especially would like to thank Taylor-Parker Motor Company for allowing them to utilize their location in Ponderay. “We could not have had the success if it weren’t for Brett Taylor and his family,” Lynch said.

The Leadership Sandpoint Class is a two-year program available to leaders and potential leaders in the Greater Sandpoint area. Leadership Sandpoint provides a behind the scenes look into various facets of this community, hands-on leadership experience, opportunities to build relationships with leaders, and incredible insight on the issues that are shaping the future growth of this area.

“The class of 2009 will be graduating on August 26th at Enchanted Events,” said the Chamber’s executive director Amy Little. “We are pleased with the work they accomplished as a team and are excited to see another great year as the 2010 class paves the way for next year,” she said.

Applications are now available and will be accepted until July 31st, 2009. Visit www.SandpointChamber.com or call 263-0887 for registration and further information.

Photo Caption: Pictured is the 2009 Leadership Sandpoint Class meeting after their successful yard sale fundraiser for the DayBreak Center. From left is Nancy Lewis, Tere Schultz, Margi Gunter, Patrick Sande, Alana Hatcher, Tawnie Sleep, Kim Queen, Brett Taylor, Linda Robey, Ron Denova, and class president Doug Lynch. Not pictured is Andy Gion, Charlene Godec, and Bob Blettenberg.

Sandpoint welcomes the inaugural Scenic Half Marathon in September!

New Blog for the Sandpoint Scenic Half Marathon!

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