Gary Lirette

Living in the paradise of Sandpoint, Idaho, where I have found more and better friends than any place I have ever been before, though these troubled times have weighed heavy on my soul, these thoughts have prevailed upon me:

This I commit:

I commit to be positive every day, to help others to find that which can help us all to discard depression and see that which is best in the world.

I commit to buying locally, helping my fellow business people survive in this down economy.

I commit to look back on the last thirty days and if I haven't done something to help another in my community, to do something beneficial over the next seven days.

I commit to speak well of my neighbors, whether they are deserving or not.

I especially commit not to be detrimental to those in my community. Not to gossip, not to slander, libel, or otherwise do harm.

I commit to be kind.

I commit to be instructive and to help teach what I know to those who need it most.

I commit to learn and become better educated every day.

I commit to help mentor other small businesses, especially those that are being started by young people.

I commit to support community and church events.

I commit to offer support no matter political affiliations, religious beliefs or race, color, creed, or sex.

I commit to be there for my friends in times of need as well as in times of plenty.

I commit to help those that want to live here find a way to do so. In this matter, I commit to helping find employment, homes, food, or whatever small or large thing I can do to make this happen.

I commit to be a community cheerleader, singing the praises of my town.

I commit to getting rid of the negative. When I complain or whine, I commit to saying one hundred positive things for every negative thing I say.

I commit to be a better family member, to be more loving, supportive, and understanding than I have ever been before.

I commit to helping my clients in better ways every day. I will learn the new methods, work the hours needed to get the job done, and do more than I did yesterday to help them accomplish their dreams.

I commit to never quitting.

I commit to making my company better by helping my fellow workers improve their lots and positions. By helping them to improve themselves, it will bring more clients into the company fold, and my position will improve in like fashion.

I commit to be happier, to love unconditionally, to be patient with children, to honor my country.

Most importantly, I commit to trust in a better new tomorrow. How do I know this will happen? I commit to it.

Gary Lirette, host of North Idaho Business and North Idaho Arts and Adventure on KSPT and KBFI, and REALTOR® for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty

To learn more about our North Idaho Paradise and Sandpoint, Idaho - Sunset Magazine's Best Small Town in the West - and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort - chosen by Skiing Magazine in their Top 25 Ski Resorts, visit:

http://sandpointid.net

&

http://skischweitzer.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Lirette

By Gary Lirette, Host of North Idaho Business on KSPT and KBFI and Realtor for Tomilinson Sandpoint International Realty.

How are things here in North Idaho? Besides being named to Sunset Magazine's Top 10 Resort Towns this year, and according to the United Health Foundation, Idaho was just named the nation's 8th healthiest state (http://www.americashealthrankings.org/2008/results.html). In Sandpoint and Priest River, several new businesses just opened, including a Jack in the Box, Big 5 Sporting Goods, the Priest River Inn, and Zip's. The new Mountain West Bank building on the way to Priest River now graces Highway 2, and the Panhandle State Bank is a monument downtown. As Paul Schaller, CEO of Quest Aircraft told me on my North Idaho Business radio show, Quest just hired 60 new employees, and the dredging was just completed for the start of the Sand Creek Byway. This multi-year project to circumvent Sandpoint will provide dozens of high-paying jobs for the next three years. When the CEO of Quest was on my radio show, he also pledged to hire scores more over the next several months to meet the demand for his first-rate aircraft.

A lot of noise has been made over the unemployment rate going up a couple of points since summer quarter.

Looking back on historic figures since 1990, there has not been one year in which the rate did not increase during winter months. The facts are, in that eighteen year period, Bonner County had 47 months of unemployment over ten percent; the highest rate was 15.1% (Thank God for our current low rate); 40 times the rate swung more than two percent; several times the monthly or quarterly change was 4%, 5%, or even up to 8.4%. Why such volatile swings? In a county with under 50,000 full-time residents, seasonal changes because of weather and tourism make great changes the norm. Alarmists sound the bell, but don't actually look at what our area is all about. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to the national rates, we are still ahead, and our future does not look bad. Click here to view the Unemployment Rates 1990-2008

Since 1997, the biggest gain we have had in employment is in manufacturing. With companies such as Quest Aircraft, Airtow, Encoder Products, Litehouse Foods, Coldwater Creek, and Thorne Research, we have better than average big company representation. In ten years over 1,000 new jobs have been created in Bonner County. Many think tourism is king. While important, it is only a fraction of our base. Click this Work Force Trends put out by the Idaho Department of Labor to see more about the Bonner County stats.

One of our shining tourist draws is Schweitzer Mountain Resort. The ski resort was not fully up and running at that time, but once ski season got fully underway it helped our economy greatly. Tom Chasse appeared on my show, North Idaho Arts and Adventure on Tuesday, December 17, 2008 to talk about the upcoming season, as well as the very slick and new Schweitzer Magazine. Schweitzer was named last year to Skiing Magazine's Top 25 Ski Resorts, and is coming off a record two years. I put the question point blank as to whether the slower economy would affect the resort, and was informed that bookings were on a par with last year. Another significant stat is that according to Carl Dye of the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, chair lift trips are up 25% over last year. Looks like the improvements coupled with the postive press and high ranking have helped the resort stay at record pace.

According to Jeff Bond, owner of Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty, the company had its best September ever this year. Plus, we had sales for our office over 23 million for the month of December 2008. Certainly we have seen a decline in prices. Some estimates for our area are declines of 4%, 6%, and 6% for the last three years. However, we saw increases of 30%, 40%, and 40% the previous three. All in all, we are not doing so bad in real estate. Most values are maintaining, and sales, while not robust, are certainly better than other parts of the country.

Across the country the banking issue has been disconcerting to say the least. Home loans are tougher to get. Borrowers need to have sparkling credit, and according to news reports, 20% down payments are also becoming the norm. For those looking for loans in North Idaho though, the best resources appear not to be national companies, but local sources. Mountain West Bank did not take on the kind of bad loans that bigger banks took on, and recently, a story was sent out by Judy Delucchi about a loan that was falling apart right before closing. Jason Hauck of MetLife (that's right, they make home loans, too!) put together a loan at a decent rate in just one week. The changes with USDA loans are generous. Joseph Cool of USDA in Post Falls says that a family of three can buy a home anywhere in Bonner County, and they can make in excess of $70,000, and even get assistance. There is money out there for loans in the Inland Northwest. Just look down the street rather than around the globe.

As I have stated before, an alarming trend people have noted in Sandpoint is the closing of several area restaurants. Rents are too high. When we had the boom years many landlords went to rates not so traditional for the area. I know from inside knowledge of two more established eateries closing soon. This is added to Connie's, Craggy Range, The Landing, The Chophouse, Sand Creek Grill, and a couple of others.

Conversely, small businesses like restaurants are not closing in Priest River. Loyalty of the customer base there is better than Sandpoint, so, though profits during boom times are lower, consistency of customer returns keeps businesses afloat. Plus, Priest River just opened its first wine bar, and the new Priest River Inn.

I have used restaurants to illustrate what all business owners have concerns about in Sandpoint. How to pay the bills when business is slower. The lessors here seemed to universally raise rents as the area's reputation glowed in the national press. Tourism was on the rise, housing values were going up, unemployment was remarkably low. Without viewing economic data, using anecdotal evidence, building owners made business decisions that seemed based on Seattle rates. The lesson is to keep good and steady renters, lower or at least more affordable rents allow businesses to have the time to become more successful. As their success turns to long-term customers and clientele, the business can continue to pay the rent, allowing the lessor to have his spaces stay rented. Empty storefronts are not good for any part of our community.

Every month I interview new businesses and pour over economic information. Like the rest of the country, we are having difficult times. However, from these interviews, what I garner is optimism and 24/7 commitment to excellence and success. The people here are amazing and friendly, plus hard-working to a fault. We all love the beauty of the area, and are inspired by the lakes and mountains.

So, any way you look at it, whether from the numbers or by the anecdotal conversations with people who work here and run stores, shops, and businesses, we are doing well.

Real Estate Market Conditions for North Idaho - Spring 2009

Business Conditions in North Idaho

Our major employers are not strapped for funds. Luckily, companies such as Coldwater Creek, Thorne Research, and Unicep Packaging are cash-rich (see the SEC's Edgar search for more detailed info), though the stocks for Coldwater have not been this low since 2003. Coldwater Creek has secured monies through Wells Fargo for the foreseeable future, and their stock has doubled in the last three months, plus, plans are still current to open ten new stores, but far fewer than last year. (See this story from the WSJ) The current economy is troubling for many, but our area is graced by continued good stewardship of its companies, many of which have national and international business: Coldwater Creek, Quest Aircraft Manufacturing, Buck Knives, Airtow, Easy Docks, Encoder Products, Thorne Research, Unicep Packaging, and Litehouse Foods are all companies with low debt and good cash reserves. After speaking at length with Jack Dyck from Mountain West Bank, we were told that Mountain West Bank, and most of our other area banks were among the few that did not make the kind of destructive loans that has put our nation at jeopardy.

Finding out about how many businesses are going under and how many are opening is fluid at best. Cathleen Hyde of the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association said that what people see from the street is not a good indicator of occupancy rates. She explained that the visible storefronts might give the appearance of empty buildings, many have simply moved to inner spaces that were significantly more affordable. In fact, we are down about 20 businesses over last year. However, there have been so many new start-ups, including big box stores like Big Five sporting goods opening on Fifth, and other national chains like Jack in the Box and Subway. The new digs for Mountain West Bank and Panhandle State Bank are stunning additions to our town, and with companies like Parsons hiring for the Sand Creek Byway and Quest continuing to hire, our job situation is a mixed bag.

The current rate of occupancy is virtually no different than 2003-04, though does not approach the 94% we saw in '06-'07. This is probably a good thing though. One of the things that makes Idaho an attractive place to do business are the low costs. We have had a booming economy in some sectors for twenty years. It was not uncommon over the last 3-4 years to see rents in the same high rates as Spokane or even Seattle. With the downturn and closed storefronts, rents have come down to reasonable levels.

Plus, while some businesses have gone under, certainly our rate of bankruptcy is not overt. Idaho ranks 39th in filings according to the most recent statistics from the Statemaster.com website. Other source for bankruptcies rank the state as 22nd, putting it squarely in the middle, and most of the bankruptcies and foreclosures are in areas south of the North Idaho counties of Bonner and Boundary.

Coeur d'Alene is not faring as well as Sandpoint, but predictions are for a fairly rapid recovery even there.

Why do companies, without much of a tax incentive, find Sandpoint and North Idaho so alluring. Check out this video from the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation: http://www.bonnercountyedc.com/business-video.html Basically, one of the biggest draws is quality of life, but there are other reasons.

On their website they explain:

Skilled Employee Pool

Part of the inherent ease of doing business in Bonner County is its bounty of skilled workers. And when you're located in a beautiful area that happens to have a lower cost of living, it's particularly easy to find employees who are excited about being part of your growth and productivity. Additionally, Idaho distributes a Workforce Development Training Fund to help Idaho businesses train their workers, so you can have a knowledgeable team up and running in no time.

Low Business Costs

In Bonner County, you'll also discover some of the lowest workers compensation premiums in the country, thanks to Idaho's emphasis on working safely and productively. And, having already dropped 36% in the last five years, rates continue to fall steadily, making this an ideal time to relocate your business.

Overall, the costs of doing business in Idaho are much lower when compared with other parts of the country. According to the Regional Financial Associates, Idaho is the seventh best state in the country for total business-related expenditures. For example, many companies find their overall energy costs are half of what they would be in other western regions. And gas prices are just as attractive, as the state is conveniently located on a major north-south natural gas pipeline.

Idaho enjoys a business-friendly government that is committed to helping businesses become successful, profitable assets to its communities. And state and local officials have worked hard to ensure a balanced tax structure that has to date resulted in the third lowest per capita tax burden in the West.

One thing not as easily quantifiable is that employees here have an old-fashioned, show up for your shift, work ethic. Until very recently, Idaho had one of the lowest foreclosure rates in the nation in spite of lower wages than neighboring states. Why? Values that still are important here.

Certainly it has become harder to find work. Once a month for the last few the Bonner County Daily Bee has posted the same story about the rise in the number of unemployed...and, of course, it is true. We enjoyed unprecedented low unemployment for the last few years. Still, since 1997 manufacturing jobs increased in Bonner County by over 1,000, Quest just delivered its first aircraft to missionaries, as another wrote last time, Litehouse is always hiring, and though there are few jobs in the Bee, this is not the bellweather for job postings. For instance, there are dozens of jobs listed in NorthIdahoHelpWanted.com , and Sandpoint Online has similar numbers. Other jobs can be found on Craigslist regionally, and on the job search engines like Monster.

Tourism

There have been several restaurants that have closed in the last year, yet we have seen several new ones also: Jack in the Box, 41 South, Subway, Dish to name a few. We saw a real slowdown in summer tourism, much of which can be attributed to the high cost of gasoline, yet we saw few businesses shut down. In fact, as I stated previously, in the interview I had on my radio show with Tom Chasse, CEO of Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, he explained that bookings for this season were on a par with last year's, and that season was a record breaker for the ski resort. If the throngs that turned out for Sandpoint Winter Carnival are any indicator, then this winter will not be as bad for North Idaho as it has been for many other parts of the country.

According to the Journal of Business, the economic outlook for 2009 expects a soft year for tourism:

Jeanne Gustafson reported that Tourism is expected to slow further in Spokane and North Idaho in the coming year, though event bookings remain strong, observers say. The article went on to state that 2009 group hotel room bookings for events such as conventions so far are up by 2.3 percent compared with 2008, and such bookings for 2010 already have surpassed this years's group bookings.

Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho hope to maintain their current levels for tourism in the coming year, in contrast to double-digit growth in hotel receipts that those areas experienced last year, says Dani Zibell-Wolfe, vice president of tourism at the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also administers state grants for the North Idaho Tourism Alliance, which promotes tourism in the five northernmost counties in Idaho, Zibell-Wolfe says.

Last summer, Canadian visitors contributed a lot to the economy, choosing northwest U.S. destinations because of favorable exchange rates. Though gas prices were high in the U.S., they were even higher in Canada, Zibell-Wolfe says.

One trend Zibell-Wolfe says is expected to continue is a rise in tourism from areas within a four-hour drive from Coeur d'Alene.

Idaho Foreclosure Rates

Our local newspapers have regurgitated this misleading info about foreclosures, namely that they are skyrocketing. Only six months ago it was reported that Idaho was the eighth best state in the nation. In other words, one of the lowest rates. Now, less than one year later, we are ranked closer to the bottom. Same thing happened with misleading reporting when our unemployment went up two points this winter. But looking at the data since 1990, this is the absolute normal pattern during winter months. Plus, Schweitzer Ski Resort has not even hired its full staff yet.

Here is what ForeclosureResearch.com wrote in December 2008:

Idaho foreclosure rates: Nothing to be alarmed about

Read more...

Idaho attacks foreclosure epidemic

Remember, for the best info on Sandpoint, visit www.SandpointID.net

For great Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate info, check out www.RealEstateSandpoint.net

Do the slopes in our Top-rated ski resort. www.SkiSchweitzer.net

If you need help on any subject, or want a question answered, even if it isn't about Real Estate in Sandpoint, call me at any time.

Gary Lirette, REALTOR® for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty

208-610-1384
800-282-6880

gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com

Local real estate information and data is garnered from the Selkirk Association of REALTORS®, and national info is taken from RealtyTimes and the NAR website, and is deemed reliable but not absolute.

Gary Lirette is the host of the North Idaho Business radio show for the last five years, and has a twenty-five year background in accounting and business. He has worked in real estate for ten years, and is the published author of dozens of articles and two published books.

All information included in this article has been thoroughly researched, but mistakes do happen. Please point out any inconsistencies and report them to Gary. Changes will be made immediately.

The sales in the Sandpoint area were down considerably from our peak in 2007. (See figures below) However, our sales are still robust and better than the previous years of 2001-2004. So, if our market has declined, we are ahead of those years. Certainly, nobody would have thought of the earlier part of the decade as anything but a successful real estate market in Sandpoint.

Another facet is how our market is retaining value. Our median price is down, but not as much as many, many other markets in the United States.

See the Market Conditions representing October 2002 to October 2008

Bonner/Boundary County Real Estate Trends, 2006, 2007, and 2008

2008

2007

2006

Also, while it is paramount if you are selling your property that you price it right, we are not seeing sales that are gigantically lower than the asking price. What is happening is that when sellers price too high, they get no offers, and eventually price at market rates. Then, when offers are made, the offers are close to asking price. Sure, we see the occasional low-ball offer accepted, but this makes up a very small percentage of sales.

We are also continuing to grow. While Spokane and Coeur d'Alene are growing more quickly, we are also in that trend. Growth means more jobs, and more home sales. Continue to read and you will find supporting evidence for why our market is doing well, and other articles about the state of the market in North Idaho.

Remember, for the best info on Sandpoint, visit www.SandpointID.net

For great Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate info, check out www.RealEstateSandpoint.net

Do the slopes in our Top-rated ski resort. www.SkiSchweitzer.net

If you need help on any subject, or want a question answered, even if it isn't about Real Estate in Sandpoint, call me at any time.

Gary Lirette, REALTOR® for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty

208-610-1384
800-282-6880

gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com

Local real estate information and data is garnered from the Selkirk Association of REALTORS®, and national info is taken from RealtyTimes and the NAR website, and is deemed reliable but not absolute.

Gary Lirette is the host of the North Idaho Business radio show for the last five years, and has a twenty-five year background in accounting and business. He has worked in real estate for ten years, and is the published author of dozens of articles and two published books.

All information included in this article has been thoroughly researched, but mistakes do happen. Please point out any inconsistencies and report them to Gary. Changes will be made immediately.

These days, as bankers commit acts that many believe should be criminal, and mortgage brokers make loans that are questionable at best, it seems that expectations have been lowered to an all-time low.

As Americans we should expect more.

So, what should you expect from your Sandpoint real estate agent?

Certainly you should have a knowledgeable REALTOR®.

What kind of knowledge should your agent have? College educated? A builder? An interior designer? Someone who renovates homes? Knowledge of the area?

Here is what I offer for a base of knowledge:

•· College educated.

•· Investor and owner of several homes locally.

•· Renovated and built several houses doing much of the work myself. This helps you in that knowledge helps you make informed decisions.

•· As the host of two radio shows - North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts & Adventure, I have interviewed hundreds of business leaders, local government officials, and personalities from all over North Idaho. Add to that the research I have done to prepare for the interviews and you can see how this has helped me to gain intimate knowledge of our area.

•· With over 60 articles about North Idaho and Sandpoint published on the web, the Bonner County Daily Bee, and other rags like the Sandpoint Reader, I put that knowledge on paper every week.

•· Currently I am an editor for this area on City-Data.com, Topix, a major contributor on ActiveRain, and an expert author on Ezine. I also write for Idaho Cuisine magazine.

•· Interviewing businesses has given me the inside scoop on helping dozens of people find jobs .

•· One of the most important things I do is to do the research and write the articles about our local economy and other community pertinent data.

Should your agent be involved with the community?

•· Having done the radio shows for the last six years as a community service is one way I am part of our wonderful North Idaho paradise. However, I also owned two restaurants in town: Walker Donuts and Wigleys Café and Bakery, and served hundreds of people a day.

•· We have many, many events and charities that take place in North Idaho each and every month. So, every year both my business associate Jed Sigman and I volunteer for dozens of happenings, including the Festival at Sandpoint, Lakedance Film Festival, and many more. We just finished as part of a small team that organized the most successful Sandpoint Winter Carnival in a decade.

•· In the last five years, our contributions, and the money we have raised for these charities and events have totaled over $50,000.

•· We have sponsored and paid for completely from our own pockets twenty Artist Open House events, culminating with the Midwinter Art Fest that had hundreds and hundreds in attendance to see the art of over forty North Idaho artists.

•· Mentored over a dozen young businesses, designing and donating their websites for the first year of business.

•· Designed and run some of the most viewed community websites in North Idaho, free of charge, with no advertising, including www.SandpointID.net, www.SandpointCentral.com, www.SkiSchweitzer.net, and www.Sandpoint-Idaho.org.

Should your agent help you with more than just buying and selling property?

•· By finding gainful employment for many, we have helped our clients, friends, and family make the transition to living a better quality of life in Sandpoint and North Idaho.

•· On my wall in my office are posted a couple of dozen thank you notes from people we have helped to build their own barns, grade their roads, prepare an LLC on the state website, and many other endeavors.

•· Bottom line is it is our responsibility to help buyers and sellers in every way. That is why we work so hard at learning not only about real estate, but all about our community, so that when you need a plumber, or where to apply for a hunting license, or the nearest oncologist, we can get you the information you need.

What kind of professionalism should your REALTOR® have?

•· First and foremost, real estate agents have chosen a life that is different than other professions. People look for properties in the evenings and weekends. A REALTOR® should expect to work when people are ready to do business.

•· Just as important, your agent should be sensitive to what you need. All too often sales people talk, talk, talk. Most important thing is to listen. Once we find out what your goals and needs are, we are best able to accomplish the task.

•· A REALTOR® should always answer their phones. Since I dislike not being able to get in touch with an agent, my bet is that customers don't like it either.

•· Your REALTOR® should stay informed about the newest technologies that can help you buy or sell.

•· Your REALTOR® should be informed about county rules and regulations, and info that will help you make smart and informed decisions.

•· Your REALTOR® should always be taking courses to stay apprised of the business and the market.

•· Finally, if your Sandpoint Real Estate agent doesn't know the answer, they should have the resources to find out.

We are a small community, so when new folks move up here, we don't just look at them as clients, they become friends. You can't hardly take a drive here without someone waiving at you, whether they know you or not. That is the way of our place: friendly people who work hard and play hard. We expect people to be friendly and polite here.

You have your own expectations. We believe you should expect more from your REALTOR®.

Remember, for the best info on Sandpoint, visit www.SandpointID.net

For great Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate info, check out www.RealEstateSandpoint.net

Do the slopes in our Top-rated ski resort. www.SkiSchweitzer.net

If you need help on any subject, or want a question answered, even if it isn't about Real Estate in Sandpoint, call me at any time.

Gary Lirette, REALTOR® for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty

208-610-1384
800-282-6880

gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com

By Gary Lirette

Recently, I reported about a new way to promote a development on ActiveRain: http://activerain.com/blogsview/847148/A-New-Way-to-Promote-Your-Development-The-Midwinter-Art-Fest-at-Dover-Bay

This article was before the event. We had high hopes. What actually happened was so much better than expectations. Not only was our Dover Bay shown in the best possible light, we actually wrote up a reservation for a sale, and supported our community and art movement in a way better than we could have dreamed of. Here is what happened, and will be published in the Sandpoint Reader.

By every account, the 35^th annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival was a great success. Certainly, as the pictures prove, there were hundreds of people at virtually every event. Congratulations, Sandpoint.

These are indeed trying times. Festivals, carnivals, and events like the Winter Carnival are normally measured in dollars taken in, numbers of people attending, and units sold. During good times, these events are celebrations, a way of showing off your community. This Winter Carnival almost wasn't. The last several years have seen declines in attendance, and many of the people who put on the show in years past now are on to other things. When the backing evaporated, it looked like the carnival would be no more. That is when a small group of people stepped in to take the baton. First, Steve Meyer, vintner and owner of Pend d'Oreille Winery was the first among several to raise his hand when asked to volunteer to put on the Winter Carnival. The question was put to the Recreation and Tourism Council during a meeting at the Sandpoint Chamber. What followed was a creative group that found many new events and happenings to put on, plus pledged to continue with some old favorites. Tawnie and Brent Sleeps of Sleeps Cabins, Chris Bessler of Keokee, who put together the main website, furnished much of the printing and much more, Lisa Gerber of Big Leap Creative, and Steve found advertising dollars, put together the ads, and started the kernel for what ended up being one of the best winter events in a decade. Not long after their initial brainstorming sessions, Ralph Sletager, developer of Dover Bay, and several Realtors from Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty pledged their facilities, and several thousands more dollars for advertising for what became Sandpoint's largest winter art event: the Dover Bay Midwinter Art Fest. This came from an idea I had started a couple of years ago to try and get art out of the studios and galleries and out to the public, and seemed a perfect fit for the Winter Carnival.

Many others put in great effort, time, blood, sweat, and tears, and the end result is still being felt a week later. People like Kathleen Hyde of the DSBA, Amy Little from the Sandpoint Chamber, and Denise from the winery, plus many others came together to put on the show. Our community, like so many others, was suffering under the weight of an uncertain future. Even those of us with jobs and no immediate financial problems are more than just concerned. The weather has been heavy and bleak, gas prices too high, and the familiar sounds of boats plying the waterways last summer seemed long forgotten.

Then a minor miracle happened. Gas prices went lower than they had been in years; the weather not only improved, but fantastically so; a new president was sworn in to office; and a bit of optimism crept into the picture.

This is where the Sandpoint Winter Carnival and Midwinter Art Fest became the tipping factor in the equation. People came out in droves, had a fabulous time, and came back the next day for more. This is what happens in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. It is a celebration that lifts the soul.

There were lots of ancillary happenings, like Festival poster artist Janene Grende painting live at the Coldwater Creek Wine Bar during the Winter Carnival ArtTrek, Karaoke, live music at the Panida, and more.

Here is what happened:

On Thursday the Taste of Sandpoint had, by some estimates, 500-700 people. The venue was the new Sandpoint Event Center. This was, again, an event that almost didn't happen due to the flooding repairs underway at the originally intended location: Cedar Street Bridge. Unfortunately, the Bridge wasn't ready yet, but Amy Little performed a minor miracle, and booked the Event Center just in time. Many old favorites were there, but two newcomers immediately caught the interest of the crowd. Claudia Dick's new 41 South and Gary and Laura Peitz's Dish sold out quickly. Chef Gabe Cruz of Dish said their offerings disappeared in less than fifteen minutes.

Friday was a big day with over two hundred spectators watching a live fire performance dance at the Pend d'Oreille Winery by Bio Luminesce. Across the street at Taylor-Parker, Patrick Sande of Schweitzer Mt. showed the ski movie Jib Jam up on the wall complete with popcorn and all for no charge. Later, Brent Sleeps tended the Bonfire on closed off Main Street, while half a block up, over 700 oohhed and ahhed at the Rail Jam with local skiers and boarders showing off their moves.

Saturday morning the Midwinter Art Fest kicked off with snow shoe volleyball that lasted from 10am to 4pm. Brats and beer were sold at the café to benefit Tyler Cordel, a 14-month old boy diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma cancer. There was even a polar plunge, though it was in the heated pool. What followed was truly unexpected. Expectations were for around 500. Final numbers were over 1,000. People came as much to see the neighborhoods of Dover Bay and the marina as the art. After the event, as we raced up to Schweitzer to watch the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, we passed the Bonner County Fairgrounds. They were having a benefit for Tyler, and also expected 500. The final tally was over 1,700! Schweitzer had between 1,500-2,000 people, and, as usual, the light show was spectacular. Every event, every restaurant was packed. People were walking all over town and were talking about what they had done that day, and what they were going to do tomorrow.

The final day featured a start with the K-9 Keg Pull in the alley behind Eighardt's. Certainly there were dozens and dozens of dogs, plus over 300 people. Still can't decide what was funnier, the dogs or the owners.

There was no event that did not have hundreds of happy, smiling faces. Even the Chili Cookoff and Fudge-O-Rama at the Bonner Mall was packed. What made the week-long fest even better was the mix of folk and every walk of life. One of the people that most enjoyed the Rail Jam was over 80, and many of the contestants actually walked to the jam. At the art fest, an adorable child of the grand old age of nine years related how she had just finished paying for two works of art she had purchased by making hand-made greeting cards.

The e-mails that flew out after the Carnival all said the same thing. Success! Dan Young, who graciously volunteered to DJ the Bonfire and Rail Jam said, "The way you all put this on, it's not like your first year. It's like you've been doing it for three or five."

Patting ourselves on the back notwithstanding, something magical happened this last weekend. Our community and people who are concerned about it and love it came together. We saw lifted spirits, laughing children, saw great art, tossed down a beer or two, helped a small boy, had some fun, and remembered what a special thing it is to live in this inspiring place.

See all the pictures of the Winter Carnival at www.SandpointWinterCarnival.org

See all the pictures of the Midwinter Art Fest at www.MidwinterArtFest.com

Special thanks needs to go out to the students of the Key Club and Honors Society from SHS, plus their advisors, Wendy Auld and Connie Kimble, plus the National Guard and our great soldiers for volunteering during the Rail Jam.

Here are some of the e-mail comments:

* The tourism committee rocked on this event, Amy did her usual amazing job on the radio and elsewhere to thank sponsors and pump up the event, Chamber members throughout the community volunteered for various aspects of the event, the rail jam was the single most exciting feature added to winter carnival in 15 years, and if you think of this event as a multi-faceted crystal and walked around it you would see it reflect the passion and enthusiasm that people share for Sandpoint whether they are formally connected to Chamber, DSBA, retail, etc. etc. It is more important that these people are connected to Sandpoint. From conception to cleanup - well done.

* Having attended several events I would like to say that this is the Winter Carnival I envisioned we should have but couldn't do myself. You all should feel very proud of this monumental accomplishment. I was thrilled to see our community filled with a mix of local folks and visitors. The various events were also of great variety and interest. Your passion contributed to the success of this event and you did a great thing for our local businesses & lodgers. Thank you for your contributions of time, expertise, money and everything else.

* WOW...what a fabulous weekend!!!

We could not have asked for better weather for our incredibly successful Winter Carnival.

I must say that I was very proud to be part of such a hard working team.

I made the loop several times on Friday night stopping in at all the venues to make sure people were out and about.

I received nothing but positive feedback. The restaurants were full and the streets were lined with people.

I was out at Dover on Saturday and saw more of the same. It was great!

Thanks again for all you did to make Winter Carnival a success,

Remember, you can learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho at http://SandpointID.net and about Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort at http://SkiSchweitzer.net

For the best Sandpoint Real Estate info: http://RealtySandpoint.com

You can see all the pictures of the Winter Carnival by visiting http://SandpointWinterCarnival.org

See the pics of the Midwinter Art Fest by going to http://MidwinterArtFest.com

For all your Sandpoint and North Idaho Real Estate needs, call Gary Lirette and his team at 208-610-1384 or e-mail Gary at gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com