SANDPOINT –

A local business is ushering in the fall season with an event to give back to the community first responders.

“We think that oftentimes the first responders are overlooked and maybe seen from a poor viewpoint. So we’d like to give back. Just to give what we can back to the community and our local heroes,” said Hannah Peterson SMS Auto and Marine office manager.

This Saturday from 12-6 p.m. SMS Auto and Marine will host the second annual Oktoberfest event and first responder fundraiser.

Last summer area wildfires raged all season. Resulting in a fireman's camp in Hope, numerous area evacuations, and smoke cover that lasted well into the fall. Mixed with the climate of society coming off the heels of the pandemic the crew at SMS Auto and Marine, wanted to give back to the first responders in Bonner County.

Peterson said last year’s event raised more than $4,000 for local first responders. Working with the Bonner County chapter of the Idaho Chaplain Corp., Peterson said the funds were split evenly between the fire departments which used the funds for equipment, and the chaplains which used the funds for extended hospital stays, hotel stays, and meals for fire-affected families.

“So they kind of see where the needs are, or where things are most needed, and they're able to distribute that money where they feel it best fits,” Peterson said.

Peterson said recent weeks of wildfires, and smoke cover have proven a need for the event once again.

Keeping with tradition set last year, the event will feature raffles, door prizes, live music and a car show. Several local businesses have pitched in, donating a wide range of prizes from stickers and t-shirts to big-ticket items such as an undercoating service from North Idaho Undercoating and a $500 gift certificate from Bigfoot Detailing.

“That's kind of the main source of income that goes towards first responders is from those raffle items, and we've had a ton of them this year from many of the local businesses,” said Peterson.

Other businesses have stepped in as sponsors for the event. Food and drinks will come courtesy of Grizzly Glass and Carpet One. Helander Property Management and the Co-op Country Store cover the cost of music and event rentals.

Returning to Sandpoint for the event will be The Shift, who will supply a folk rock soundtrack for the evening. The biggest change to the event will be the car show. Having grown from 10 handpicked classic cars, the event will feature 70 vehicles this year.

“We talked to the city and I'm glad we did. We didn't know if we would need the extra parking for vehicles but we did decide to get a permit to shut the street down, and we are very glad we did because we'll need it for sure.” Peterson said.

Hoping to double or even triple last year's funds, Peterson said the main goal is to deliver an event that raises money for the first responders and brings the community together.

For more information visit the event's Facebook page at bit.ly/3xtz6qW