Festival announces changes
SANDPOINT — The Festival at Sandpoint is always looking for ways to improve the concert experience for festival fans while respecting the privilege of presenting the concert series in a residential neighborhood. Helpful suggestions from neighbors and Festival board members and staff have resulted in some changes aimed at making a positive difference this year, according to Festival Executive Director Dyno Wahl.
Among the changes:
• Starting at 5 p.m. today, traffic flow on Ontario will be one-way (east-west) between Boyer and Marion on Festival days allowing for two lanes of one-way traffic for easy drop-off on either side of the street.
• Access to Florence between Ontario and Erie will be limited to local traffic for residents only, permit required.
• The lines to get numbers each morning will form on the path on the lakeside of the venue to alleviate the problem of people gathering on the sidewalk on Ontario. Entry lines to the venue will still form prior to the concert on the street side at the Festival entrance, as usual.
Wahl reminded Festival fans that Sandpoint ordinances prohibit overnight camping on city property, and disturbing the peace during the night and early morning hours.
Festival fans who like to sit as close to the stage as possible line up early to be the first ones through the gates when they open, Wahl said. The Festival encourages people to line up early in the morning starting at 6 a.m.
“Our line and numbering policy is designed to reward you for being early while setting you free to enjoy a summer day in our beautiful town,” she added.
Under the Festival’s line policy:
• At about 8 a.m., the first numbers are given out to those in line, one number per person only. If there are any more, additional numbers are given out at approximately 10 a.m. No numbers will be given out after that and Wahl said concert-goers can expect to put in some time waiting for their number.
“No numbers are given for empty chairs or blankets that are placed in line, so you must be present to receive a number,” she said. “There is only one number given per person present.”
• Only 1 person is admitted with each number, but each person is allowed to throw a blanket for up to four people once inside. Blankets should be no more than 8-foot by 8-foot. This blanket size policy will be enforced.
• After receiving a number, fans are free to leave the area, but you should be back in line at the venue at least an hour before the gates open to confirm your spot.
• Up to 300 numbers are given out. The first 300 people admitted need a number to prove they were in line. If you didn’t arrive in time to receive a number, take your place at the end of the line and stay there to assure your position.
• Walk, don’t run. Ticket holders will be admitted through the entry gate one at a time and will proceed into the venue in an orderly fashion, no running allowed.
• Separate numbers are given out for the patron/sponsor gate (“sponsor/patron” will be printed on ticket), same procedure.
• No numbers are given out for the Family Concert.
“We appreciate being able to present music at Memorial Field and want to make sure it is the most positive experience possible for festival fans with the least possible negative impact to the neighborhood,” said Wahl. “We had some excellent input and suggestions from festival neighbors this year and appreciate the cooperation of the city of Sandpoint and Sandpoint Police Department to make it happen.
Information: Festival at Sandpoint, 208-265-4554