Sandpoint Fest Will Proceed; Suit Postponed

A lawsuit has been postponed, allowing the Festival at Sandpoint to proceed late this summer.

Sandpoint residents Dale and Judith Millard filed a 1st District Court lawsuit last month, seeking to end the city’s lease of park ground to allow the summertime music and concert festival. The couple claims the lease is illegal, because the Festival is a commercial operation and the city isn’t enforcing its ban on alcohol in city parks.

The Millards’ attorney, Jim Paulson, asked that trial be postponed until Aug. 6, four days after the Festival’s opening concert.

Festival officials say the delay will allow them to concentrate on the upcoming season and worry about the lawsuit later.

“On the one hand, I’d like to have the hearing and have it over with and get it out of the way,” said David Slaughter, president of the Festival board. “On the other hand, it’s something we won’t have to waste too many hours preparing for it.”

Festival executive director Ron Wasson said organizers had to move forward with holding the Festival, including booking acts.

The Millards claimed in the lawsuit that they have been harmed by the traffic and congestion created by the Festival, “making the normal enjoyment of their property impossible.”