Festival at Sandpoint — Local services in Sandpoint

It is so sad that volunteers since 1983 which have brought the festival to where it is now are being disrespected. After 15 years of being security the festival management disrespected and treated us as if we were in the army to be ordered around and breaking promises to us. Then ordered to do what was ordered or leave. After 15 years we left. The volunteer security was carrying guns and handcuffs, what could go wrong there? Also speaking of disrespect and breaking promises, since 1983 the artists who won the cover of the festival were promised tickets for life until last season. The new management took those tickets and promises. No disrespect there. The management should be grateful for those backs upon which they are standing. It is shameful. At least we know we had the respect of rod Crawford and Russell Lacey. Never thought it would end like this. The management now we’re kids when us and many others were working hard to make the festival a success. Shameful! I know I will never volunteer again and future volunteers watch your...

Being a native of the Sandpoint area, I purchased 3 tickets in 2019 for a Cool and the Gang for my sister's 60th birthday. Our tickets were in the "low chair" area. Before the concert started a big rain storm moved in and the concert was cancelled. I was told and even received vouchers to attend another concert due to the rain out. Of course in 2020 the season was cancelled due to CoVid. I called to find out how they were handling this situation. I was told no refund or exchange would be honored. I was told that the Festival still had their expenses to cover for that evening and the lady (Dyno) that issued vouchers to a different concert due to the rain out, was not authorized to give the vouchers out. This ends up being my problem as a the consumer. Essentially I paid for nothing and received nothing. Not even a $20 credit for other tickets or $10 coffee card or an apology. SUPER SAD about this situation and...

The 2025 Festival was very disorganized and disappointing. With no speaker introducing the bands it’s sometimes difficult to know what band is playing. For example I thought John Butler was playing WITH Dispatch. When he finished, the bandstand was clear for about 45 minutes before Dispatch actually took the stage. Many people left thinking the concert was over. The Finale was also confusing even though there was an introduction speaker. The symphony just started playing music from the program. Then they quit. That turned out to be a warmup, but we didn’t know. The intermission seemed especially long, and the conductor seemed confused and befuddled.

I only heard the Star Bangle Banner performed at the Finale. Bring it back to each event. We’re forced to know the performers’ anti-Trump and/or pro Hamas views so why can’t each event begin with our national anthem. This is North Idaho not New York City or...