The Festival: Faces and Fun

It's high 90s at 6 p.m.

Sweaty bodies, that's what it will be, I thought, almost dreading our first visit to The Festival at Sandpoint in about ten years. 

Bill and I had done our time, back in the early '90s as usher coordinators.  

We had more good times than bad times for about three years, working with our wonderful volunteers and having the opportunity to see a host of America's greatest musical legends in return for time spent with crowd organization. 

It all came to end, however, one evening after normally mild-mannered Bill had picked up a drunk by the neck of his shirt and herded him toward the gate, poking him in the back every time he slowed down, while his girl friend kept yelling the F-bomb at Bill and me.  

After that incident, we both decided we'd had enough of dealing with people who were not on their best behavior. 

So, it would be an understatement to say we had a few preconceived notions about attending last night's bluegrass concert with Green Sky Blue Grass, which was Bill's birthday present.  

Waiting in line on the hottest day of the year, people crowding into small spaces----not a fun thought. 

Well, this morning I'm more than happy to report that since our last Festival visit, things have changed for the better. 

Meticulous organization and spot-on honing of what works right over the years have made the Festival pretty darned "people friendly." As a result, people generally seem friendlier to each other. 

No fighting for space, no endless lines.

Yes, the line was long, but someone has figured out how to make it move right along as it winds from Lakeview Park through the gates and onto War Memorial Field.

And, along those lines come a few diversions, including friendly volunteers occasionally visiting with folks, giving reminders and answering questions. 

Informative signs posted along the way and even a vendor or two with cold water or soda for $2 make it seem like we're really not standing in line. 

Twas seamless, to say the least, and pleasantly people friendly throughout the evening at last night's concert. 

Plus, the many reconnections and visits were divine. 

I saw former students, old friends and even a new friend who introduced himself to Bill and me, telling us he had read my blog regularly for a couple of years before moving to Sandpoint.   

Apparently, he's satisfied with the reports provided cuz he kinda thinks this place is Heaven-----certainly not an anomaly among the residents!

Congratulations to Dyno and her gang of 500 volunteers who have taken a local favorite and made it that much better. 

We might have to go again sometime. 

She told me she's the wine lady. 

Nurse Sharon looks a bit intimidating with those scissors!

I don't know if Nurse Sharon used her scissors to cut her son's hair.  If she did, the "do" is pretty precise. 

I enjoyed visiting with some members of the Sodorff family. 

I babysat AND taught this young gent named Burt AND later taught his daughter April. 

Does that make me old?

Twas good to see former student Carrie, who volunteers every year.

Festival poster artist Judy Pederson.  

Pour Authority owner Jon Hagadone seemed to approve of the microbrew fest. 

Would you believe some of these folks don't know each other from a hole in the ground? 

Without naming names, I'll just say some wanted to participate in "formal photobombing."  

I can remember when, as a child, Liz used to sit with me in the horse show announcing booth. 

She and hubby Steve were parents of the groom at a recent wedding. 

Bill visiting with my classmate Dan Blood.   Good to see Dan. 

Beth Hawkins, a fellow writer and wife of "Cowboy" from one of my blog postings last week. 

Jared played basketball with Willie at SHS, while his wife Stephanie graduated with our son.

They posed for a "Hi, Willie" picture. 

Lovely ladies who have served the customers at Mick Duffs for years. 

The good doctor watching the warm-up band. 

Former teaching colleague, Shirl, the Pearl, her daughter Jackie and photobomber Laura aka Lulu, on the left.

At least this group knew each other. 

Volunteer and local musician Miah Kohal.  His son Zach put my hay in the barn. 

Beth, her dad, Annie and Annie's friend from Pennsylvania who told me he's "a damn good vet." 

Local floutist extraordinaire Rhonda Bradetich who now plays with the San Francisco Symphony.  She'll be playing with the Spokane Symphony at Sunday evening's concert. 

Hi, Doc.

Young Mr. Bradford seems ubiquitous these days as he helps support Prop 2, the Medicaid Initiative, which will appear on the Idaho General Election ballot this November. 

Good friend and local activist Nancy Renk. No, she's not drinking from two glasses:  she's holding mine so I could take a picture.

A wonderful reconnection:  former student, retired Air Force officer and soon to be Frontier Airlines pilot Tom Seymour with his lovely wife.

Tom flew F15 fighter jets during his Air Force career.