Grand Finale Concert was Sunday at 7:30 p.m. showcasing Russian Masterpieces with the Spokane Symphony including Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and the traditional fireworks finale, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The fireworks corresponded with the firing of the cannons, and the event was punctuated by the appearances of a pair of guest artists. Pianist Archie Chen, a former Spokane prodigy who now tours worldwide, played Rachmaninoff's famous "Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini." Sandpoint soprano Hailey Fuqua and former scholarship winner of one of the Angels Over Sandpoint grants will sang Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise." Gary Sheldon conducted. Preceding the concert was the annual "Taste of the Stars" wine tasting featured 36 Northwest wineries. "This is the largest tasting in the st... 08/17/2010

Grand Finale Concert was Sunday at 7:30 p.m. showcasing Russian Masterpieces with the Spokane Symphony including Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and the traditional fireworks finale, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The fireworks corresponded with the firing of the cannons, and the event was punctuated by the appearances of a pair of guest artists. Pianist Archie Chen, a former Spokane prodigy who now tours worldwide, played Rachmaninoff's famous "Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini." Sandpoint soprano Hailey Fuqua and former scholarship winner of one of the Angels Over Sandpoint grants will sang Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise." Gary Sheldon conducted. The annual "Taste of the Stars" wine tasting featured 36 Northwest wineries. "This is the largest tasting in the state of Idaho," Dyno Wahl, ... 08/16/2010

The last Saturday night of the Festival at Sandpoint is typically the biggest event, but to be honest, I did not expect the turnout for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The Festival Grounds were packed. By the time we arrived, and we were volunteering for another event, we were faced with standing room only. We found a spot on the bleachers, and the concert was excellent. August 14 was SUPER COUNTRY SATURDAY starring favorite Festival alumni (from 1999 and 2002) NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND. They formed in Southern California during the spring of 1966 as a scruffy, young jug band, and forty-two years later, the quartet (Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter and John McEuen) is still going strong with their special blend of country music infused with pop, rock and bluegrass. With over 30 albums ... 08/15/2010

In and around Sandpoint, Idaho are numerous great hikes. Going towards Bonners Ferry is the Roman Nose with its two alpine lakes which you will recognize in these photos. There are hundreds of waterfalls, the main of which are featured in our North Idaho Waterfalls page. The ones in these photos are smaller cascades that dot the area in numbers too numerous to count. Hiking here is awe-inspiring. What do you think? Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about... 08/14/2010

In 2003, I was looking to start a charity run across the Longbridge, maybe with a bike ride. I was approached to help with the Bonner Healing Garden. With the help of dozens of volunteers, it opened in 2004. It is a wonderful, pastoral, beautiful place year-round. We have city parks, but this is our only public garden. It is wonderous, but don't take my words. Pictures paint the ideal: Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho www... 08/14/2010

So, on my show, North Idaho Business, broadcast on the Talk North Idaho radio network, I interviewed the Secret Thai Cafe last Tuesday. I had first encountered this couple of a Thai wife and American husband at last year's Festival at Sandpoint. They had been in the vendor booth next to Dish Home Cooking. I helped at the Festival as well as lending a hand at the Dish booth. We traded food with the Thai guys, and it was good, but I couldn't help but notice for every ten people served at the Dish booth, they served one. A little slow in the cooking process. So, in my interview with Secret Thai Cafe, I was pleased to find out that every menu item was under $10. I also liked their hours of operation. They are open from 11 am to 2 pm, and then reopen for dinner from 4:30 - 8 pm. They took ov... 08/14/2010

My friends were sitting on their back deck when suddenly a moose came up from under water in their back pond. Check it out: Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho www.RealtySandpoint.com - For Sandpoint Realty www.SkiSchweitzer.net - To visit Schweitzer Mountain's Community Web 08/08/2010

This first Friday was awesome. Happy, smiling people, great music, and a magical, warm summer night. The Festival at Sandpoint is always something special. Here are the pics: Waiting in line to enter the Festival at Sandpoint The mad rush of people at the opening of the Festival at Sandpoint Robin and Kelly planting their spot at the Festival at Sandpoint Suzan Fishkin from Sandpoint Transition Initiative lending a hand at the Festival at Sandpoint The sun sets as the crowd settles in at the Festival at Sandpoint Singing the National Anthem at the Festival at Sandpoint IAN McFERON plays Friday night at the Festival at Sandpoint Opening the evening was fellow Northwest artist IAN McFERON who weaves together a variety of roots-Americana styles to create his own unique blend, inspiring his... 08/08/2010

My name is Gary Lirette and I specialize in waterfront in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. This includes Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River primarily, and Lake Cocolalla. To a lesser degree, we also have extensive knowledge of the Priest River, the Moyie and Kootenai Rivers, Pack River, Rapid Lightning Creek, the Clark Fork River, and the lesser lakes around Lake Pend Oreille. What to do on the Water N Idaho Lake Guide N Idaho River Guide   Boat Launches & Marinas Lake Pend Oreille Depth Map I live on the Pend Oreille River about a mile from Lake Pend Oreille. Many think this is the lake since the river is so wide here, but the lake really begins at the Long Bridge. I also own a secondary waterfront home on the Hope Peninsula. Just living on the water does not make us experts. Ins... 08/05/2010

SANDPOINT & NORTH IDAHO CALENDAR OF EVENTS Find all the best North Idaho Events right here! Sandpoint Upcoming Events - This Week in Sandpoint from the Sandpoint Chamber Coeur d'Alene Upcoming Events - from the CdA Chamber Check out all daily Sandpoint Events in the Bonner Daily Bee Weekly - Sat. & Wed.: Sandpoint - Farmer's Market An open-air market Sandpoint tradition where you can find locally grown fresh produce, crafts, flowers, food and music at Farmin Park, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm and Wednesdays from 3-5:30 pm. For more info get this pdf 2nd Friday monthly April - Dec: Coeur d'Alene - Art Walk The Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance has organized a monthly Art Walk, that takes place from 5-8 pm the 2nd Friday monthly, April through December. Enjoy an evening of exceptional art,... 08/01/2010

On Saturday July 31st we had our annual crazy days sidewalk sales. Over 100 retail shops and 30 restraunts participated. From City Beach to 6th Ave shoppers flocked the streets to get the best deals of the year. This year we also had the farmers market running from 9 am to 1 pm. 08/01/2010

Here are some cool pics of Sandpoint, Idaho and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort: Sandpoint Blog Statue of Liberty at City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho Shawnodese putting into port while bagpipes play at Sandpoint City Beach City Beach-Sandpoint Clark Fork Estuary Festival at Sandpoint View of Lake Pend Oreille from Schweitzer Mountain above Sandpoint Lake Pend Oreille snowscape Longbridge SW View Marina and Powerhouse at Sandpoint Moon over Lake Pend Oreille Sandpoint, Idaho  Sandpoint Windbag Marina Schweitzer-Jump Schweitzer & Lake Pend Oreille Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort Schweitzer Village & Lake Pend Oreille Silverwood Theme Park Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail ... 07/28/2010

I always take and use 'Lifestyle' and area photos with my listings. Here are some shots of Priest Lake, some of which I am using for two new listings: Priest Lake along Eastshore Water skiing on Priest Lake Beautiful Priest Lake in Bonner County Idaho Sunken ship at Lionhead on Priest Lake Magnificent Mountains around Priest Lake Slippery Rock waterfalls at Lionhead along Priest Lake Priest Lake Summer Sunset Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandp... 07/27/2010

I had a couple of new listings in Bonners Ferry and the neighborhood, and wanted to remind everyone how beautiful it is up here: Aerial picture of Bonners Ferry, ID Bonners Ferry Bonners Ferry Mountain Range Downtown Bonners Ferry Moyie River Moyie River Bridge Rapids near Bonners Ferry Bonners Ferry Wilderness Beauty Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho www.RealtySandpoint.com - For Sandpoint Realty www.SkiSchweitzer.net - T... 07/27/2010

  For many years I have supported the arts, hosting and paying for over fifty art events in Bonner and Boundary counties in the last five years. I host the radio show North Idaho Arts & Adventure as part of that support. Last Tuesday I interviewed some of the artists from this year's Artists' Studio Tour. It is pretty cool because no matter the day you are in Sandpoint and our neck of the North Idaho woods, you can call and set up your own tour based on your schedule. The group also offers set days with tours pre-scheduled. Those are August 13, 14, 15 which gives you something to do during the long, hot days prior to attending the Festival at Sandpoint, as well as the following week of August 20, 21, and 22. Great group of artists including painters, sculptors, jewelry artists, and much... 07/27/2010

Every year I am associated with the Festival at Sandpoint in various ways. Many, many of us are. I have volunteered to place the thousands of plants and help with the decorating; I have hosted and catered the wine maker's dinners; I have interviewed the fest folks a good dozen times on my radio shows. On my North Idaho Arts & Adventure show last Tuesday, I interviewed Dyno Wahl about the upcoming 2010 performances. Tthe lineup in the past have included names like Lou Rawls, Jim Messina, Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennet, The Beach Boys, The Bellamy Brothers, Natalie Cole, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Neil Sedaka, George Benson, The Doobie Brothers, Al Jarreau, The Pretenders, The Robert Cray Band, Peter Frampton, Little Feat, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Los Lobos, Tanya Tucker and many more. ... 07/27/2010

On my weekly radio show, North Idaho Arts & Adventure, I interviewed Stephen Ruff, pilot and owner of Sandpiont Seaplane Service. You may remember last year when I posted pics from one of these flights: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1235832/sandpoint-aerial-tour-pictures-and-photos-of-sandpoint-and-lake-pend-oreille-from-the-air It was a truly memorable experience and I highly suggest the ride to anyone looking to have an enjoyable afternoon in our neck of the woods. It is a great picture taking opportunity, and general fun for all ages. The flights encompass all of North Idaho and Lake Pend Oreille, and the map below gives you an idea of the area: Click here to visit the Sandpoint Seaplane Service website. Here are some pics of the journey: Clark Fork River Hope Peninsula Meandering... 07/27/2010

I was told the improvements at Riley Creek were pretty cool, so I stopped by to see for myself. The new pavillion is awesome, the bike paths great, in fact it was all wonderful. I opine that it would be a fantastic picnic date, a perfect family reunion, or even the ideal spot for a wedding. Hey, don't let me be the only voice, check out the pics and judge for yourself: Riley Creek Recreation Area Riley Creek Recreation Area bike paths Big boat launch at the Riley Creek Recreation Area Pavillion at the Riley Creek Recreation Area Riley Creek Recreation Area Dog at Riley Creek Recreation Area Beach at Riley Creek Recreation Area Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary o... 07/13/2010

The museum will have a special event titled, WOMEN OF COURAGE, on Saturday, July 17th.  It is to honor the WASPS (WOMEN's AIR FORCE SERVICE PILOTS) from WWII.  These ladies are 87 plus years of age now, flew 60,000,000 miles in WWII... On Tuesday I interviewed Tom Aisenbrey, one of the organizers of the event. Tom spent many years of his life influenced by these great ladies, and started planning this event last year. Out of the 1,000 ladies who flew, only roughly 270 survive, and most can't make the journey. However, twenty will grace the Bird Aviation Museum with stories and wisdom on July 17th. Don't just go to meet and learn from these intrepid women; the Bird Museum is wonderful in its own right, not to mention Dr. Bird, recently featured on 60 minutes, is a giant of a man in the w... 07/13/2010

Remember the Power House Bar and Grill? Mark and Sara Clarkston owned that joint until the successful chain Craggy Range took over. When they went belly up, we all realized that maybe that wasn't such a good location. Mark wanted to own the dirt and bought the building in Priest River two years ago July 11th. They serve comfort food like steaks and seafood, all grilled over apple wood or smoked in the smoker. Nice kitchen set-up, a dining room that seats 120, and a comfortable and easy access location. Learn more at http://priestriverhardwoodgrill.com/ I interviewed Mark on my show, North Idaho Business, last Tuesday, and here are a couple of pics: Priest River Hardwood Grill Chef and owner Mark Clarkston of the Priest River Hardwood Grill Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magaz... 07/13/2010