The Panhandle Patriot Music Festival offers the North Idaho community an opportunity to support local veterans while enjoying an evening of live music at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Sept. 11. Organized through a joint effort between the North Idaho Veterans Stand Down and the North Idaho Army Special Forces Association Chapter 43, the festival features performances by the Heather King Band, Buffalo Speedway and Knut Bell & the Blue Collars.

“We want to see the community come together in support of veterans,” said Panhandle Patriot co-chair and North Idaho Veterans Stand Down President Debbi Nadrchal. “We don’t want to forget their sacrifices and their courage.”

The Panhandle Patriot Music Festival was born one year ago, when Special Forces Association Chapter 43 member Jason Legler joined Nadrchal as co-chair. They decided to host the event on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in honor of the veterans who fought overseas in its aftermath.

“It’s not so much that we’re celebrating,” Nadrchal said. “We’re honoring those who lived through it and the way that we united together.”

The Panhandle Patriot asks for a $40 donation per person to enter the concert. All funds raised from the event go directly toward supporting veterans in need. Both the Special Forces Association and North Idaho Veterans Stand Down provide financial support and advocate for struggling veterans.

“The veteran community is one of the most underserved groups,” Nadrchal said.

At its annual resource fair in May, North Idaho Veterans Stand Down distributes groceries to veterans and connects them with resources such as dental and medical care, housing and job and career development opportunities.

“We just appreciate all the support we already get from the community,” said co-chair Jason Legler. “This community is a huge supporter of our military, and it shows every day.”

Legler is grateful to the bands donating their time to perform at the festival. He said all three will bring patriotic enthusiasm through a range of musical styles, though he expects country music to feature heavily.

Guitarist John Scinto of the Heather King Band is excited to contribute to a cause close to his heart. His father received the Purple Heart, and his brother served in Vietnam. He hopes the concert raises significant funds to support veterans.

“We do not give enough over to veterans,” Scinto said. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this.”

The Panhandle Patriot co-chairs expect a fun, festive atmosphere on the night of the festival, filled with community spirit.

“I’m most excited for getting folks under the common umbrella of enjoying the music and celebrating together,” Legler said. “Enjoying the people to our left and right who are there for the same reason, supporting our veterans.”

The Panhandle Patriot Music Festival takes place at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Sept. 11. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the concert runs from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Limited tickets will be sold at the gate. Tickets are available online at sfa43.ticketgoat.com.

    Patriot Panhandle Music Festival co-chairs Jason Legler and Debbi Nadrchal.
  

    North Idaho Veteran Stand Down logo.