Some things will change, and some things will stay the same as Pend Oreille Arts Council’s 48th annual Arts and Crafts Fair fills the streets of downtown Sandpoint this weekend.

The fair will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. One hundred vendors will set up their tents from Main Street east of Farmin Park to First Avenue and across Second Avenue from Cedar Street to Church Street.

As in year’s past, artists and crafters from all over the country will be selling their handmade merchandise in this juried event that’s always a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for clever gifts, or trying to find treasures for yourself, this Fair is tailor-made for your discerning taste. From metal art to pottery to jewelry to fine art to yard art, this show has something for everyone’s taste and budget.

And, speaking of taste, food vendors will be on hand to deliver tasty treats while students and instructors from the Music Conservatory at Sandpoint provide delightful music.

“I’m excited that this Fair is bigger and better than last year,” POAC Board President Carol Deaner said. “We gave a lot of thought to whether we should have the Arts & Crafts Fair this year with COVID-19 hanging around, but we finally came to the decision to have it because the livelihood of many of these artisans depends on the sales at events such as this.”

Here is what we are doing to make attending more safe: Booths will be spaced further apart to allow for social distancing and attendees will be asked not to enter a crowded booth but to wait outside patiently. All attendees will be asked to wear masks. POAC volunteers will have masks and hand sanitizer for anyone in need. Also, because of the need for distancing and disinfecting there won’t be the Kaleidoscope Kids Booth this year.

“The POAC board of directors, staff and city officials believe that the plan we have in place will make for a very successful and safe weekend,” POAC President Carol Deaner added.

She also said that POAC would understand if anyone feeling uncomfortable coming downtown, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing decided to stay away.

“Our top priority is for the safety of our community,” she said.

Streets of the Fair will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, and continuing until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Access to the city parking lot will be on Church Street only. For more information go to www.artinsandpoint.org or call the office at 208-263-6139.