SANDPOINT — The annual membership meeting of the Panida Board of Directors will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the main theater, 300 N. First Ave., Sandpoint. This gathering will bring together board members, staff and all those who have generously volunteered and contributed to the success of the Panida. All the current safety precautions will be observed, including the ability for the appropriate social distancing and an option to watch on Facebook live if you choose.

Part business meeting and part celebration, the event promises to be an exciting, enjoyable and enriching experience for all who attend. It will be a great opportunity to meet the citizens who continue to guide the Panida’s successful weathering of the COVID-19 storm and whose dedication and vision will help ensure Sandpoint’s historic community theatre emerges as an ever more vital contributor to the community.

This evening will be a valuable Sandpoint experience. Five new board nominees will introduce themselves and be voted on by the membership: Keely Gray, Tari Pardini, Teresa Pesce, Ron Ragone, and Kevin Smith.

"Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the board, staff, volunteers, contributors, and all your neighbors who enrich and make a difference in our community," Panida Executive Director Patricia Walker said. "All who have helped to ensure that the Panida flourishes through the COVID experience."

Beer, wine, soft drinks and the famous Panida popcorn will be available with COVID safety precautions. Many fun and surprising door prizes will be given away throughout the event (some of real value).

The community is invited to come learn about the theater's new membership cards and the new automated system that will not only streamline the Panida experience for patrons, but help with record keeping and ensure the benefits of membership levels. Updated Director’s and Financial reports will be presented to the community.

"You are invited to take this opportunity to come hear our exciting ideas for the future of the Panida and be a contributor to the conversation of plans for continuing the momentum," Walker said.

"The Panida is the heart of our community and it's up to all of us to keep it beating. It is the sincere hope of the Panida Board that all who feel comfortable attending either in person, or online, will join us as we kick off a new year for the Panida and take this opportunity to offer thanks to all who have worked so hard to keep the theater going and who continue to show their overwhelming support, year after year."

Information: www.panida.org