SANDPOINT — Since ownership of the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market changed hands in February, the space has been reborn. What was formerly a pandemic-stricken shopping center with numerous vacancies has become a vibrant downtown space with a waiting list for tenants. 

Now, general manager Stacey Mueller and the bridge’s small business owners have planned an opportunity to give thanks to the community that supports them. 

“We came together as a group and said, ‘We're so grateful for our new beginnings. How can we give back to the community?’” Mueller said. 

That desire led to Giving Back at the Bridge — a Nov. 9 event where each business in the market will donate at least 10% of profits to a charitable cause. 

“During the day of the event, every member gets to choose who they're giving back to,” said Mueller. Recipients of the donations will include Bonner County Food Bank, 7B Care Clinic, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, Sandpoint High School’s volleyball team and other local nonprofits. 

Paneah’s Bistro, a soon-to-be-open cafe on the bridge’s second story, will serve free coffee for the event; face painting and a photo booth will also be available. Visitors of Giving Back at the Bridge can enter a raffle for a chance to win $100 of “bridge bucks,” which can be spent at any business in the market. 

“That way, we’re not giving a gift card to one certain space,” Mueller said. “When people win, they'll pick whatever they want.” 

Shoppers will also be able to receive a “GIVE BACK” bracelet or keychain and collect unique attachments from the small businesses in the market. 

“Each one of our tenants has a different charm,” explained Mueller. For example, the bridge's new arcade will offer a miniature game controller, while its salon will gift visitors a scissors charm. 

Going forward, Mueller said she hopes the bridge can be a place enjoyed equally by tourists and locals. 

“That's what our town needs,” Mueller said. “When tourists aren't here, the locals should be finding this funnest place to be.”