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December 10, Noon - 7pm Presented by Dunkin’s and Madeleine’s, KringleFest invites one and all to get into the festive spirit! Enjoy a market of 26 vendors offering a wide selection of gifts and goodies, curated vintage clothing, and local food and sips. It’s time to warm your spirit with friends and family. Enjoy a photo opportunity with the mischievous Krampus, raise a toast, and celebrate the season in downtown Spokane this Sunday! Bundle up and find the activities in the Main Avenue Alley, right behind Durkins. DowntownSpokane.org

December 9, 10am - 4pm If you're on the hunt for artisan gifts, one-of-a-kind finds, handmade items, home and health products, and more, this holiday season, you won't want to miss the Holiday Community Market at Silver Lake Mall in Coeur d’Alene. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or just want to treat yourself to something special, you’re sure to find something you love. The market is open 10am to 4pm this Saturday, December 9. SilverLake.Center

December 9 - 17 Travel back in time to a night in Bethlehem! Meet Mary and Joseph, visit the largest giving tree in the Northwest, shop through the village, and take in the live Nativity, all at Stateline Speedway. A Night in Bethlehem is free for all ages and will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30 to 7pm through December 17. Purchases made at the event will benefit local charities. Facebook.com

December 9 The Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival will be unlike any other. Taking place this Saturday at Spokane’s Bing Crosby Theater, Film historian, curator and president of Bing Crosby Enterprises Robert S. Bader will share films from Bing Crosby’s private collection. Some footage will be shared publicly for the first time. Witness rare footage of Bing at Gonzaga and in his childhood home, now the Bing Crosby House Museum. Throughout the day, enjoy “White Christmas,” “Birth of the Blues,” Gonzaga’s Big Bing Theory, Spokane’s Zonky Jazz Band, and the presentation by Bader followed by an encore of “White Christmas.” Event tickets include admission to the entire day of films and presentations, with free admission for guests 17 and under. BingCrosbyTheater.com

FINANCIAL FOCUS® Avoid these investment mistakes This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ken Wood We all make mistakes in many areas of life. These mistakes are usually fairly harmless—we took a wrong turn while driving, used the wrong ingredients in a recipe and so on. But sometimes, our mistakes can be costly—especially those connected to investing. Here are some of the most common investment mistakes: • Too much buying and selling - Some people find it exciting to constantly buy and sell investments in the pursuit of big gains. Yet, frequent trading can work against you in a couple of ways. First, it can be expensive—if you’re always buying and selling investments, you could rack up taxes, fees and commissions. Perhaps even more important, though, excessive purchases and sales can make it difficult to follow a unified, cohesive investment strategy. Such a strategy requires, among other things, careful construction and management of an investment portfolio that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Heavy trading can disrupt this strategy. • Failing to diversify - If you only owned one type of asset, such as growth-oriented stocks, your portfolio could take a hit when the financial markets go through a downturn. But not all investments will respond the same way to the same forces—for example, stocks and bonds can move in different directions at any given time. And that’s why it’s usually a good idea to own a mix of investments, which can include domestic and foreign stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and government securities. Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help reduce the impact of market volatility, it can’t guarantee profits or protect against losses in a declining market. • Trying to “time” the market - “Buy low and sell high” might be the original piece of investment advice, but it’s pretty hard to follow—because no one can really predict when an investment will reach “low” or “high” points. Also, trying to “time” the market in this way can lead to bad decisions, such as selling investments whose price has dropped, even if these same investments still have good business fundamentals and strong prospects. • Not understanding what you’re investing in - If you don’t know the nature of investments when you buy them, you could set yourself up for unpleasant surprises. For example, some companies, by the very nature of their business and the type of industry they’re in, may consistently pay dividends to their investors even though their stock prices may only show relatively modest price gains over time. If you bought shares of this stock, thinking it had the potential to achieve quite substantial appreciation, you might end up disappointed. • Making the wrong comparisons - You’re no doubt familiar with some of the most well-known investment benchmarks—the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite. But it might be counterproductive to compare your results against these indexes. If you have a diversified portfolio, you’ll own an array of investments that won’t fit into any single index or benchmark, so you won’t get an apples-to-apples comparison. You’re better off comparing your portfolio’s performance against the only benchmark that really matters—the progress you need to make to help achieve your goals. Investing will always have its challenges—but you can help make it easier on yourself by staying away from as many mistakes as possible. Ken Wood, Financial Advisor Edward Jones 477100 Hwy 95, Suite B Ponderay, ID Ken.Wood@edwardjones.com 208.255.2613 | EdwardJones.com | Member SIPC

Discover the Beauty, Flavor, and Heartwarming Community of the Inland Northwest By Jillian Chandler As the editor of our REAL Northwest Living, I am thrilled to share our newest issue with you and take a moment to reflect on what makes living in the Inland Northwest such an extraordinary experience. Our corner of the world is not only a place where stunning landscapes meet bustling city life but also communities filled with warm-hearted individuals and a vibrant food scene that tantalizes the taste buds. We are truly blessed to call this place home. The Inland Northwest is a region like no other, where nature's beauty unfolds in all directions. From the majestic snow-capped mountains that paint our horizons to the tranquil lakes and winding rivers that invite us to explore, there's no shortage of breathtaking scenery to behold. Hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through our trails and parks, this area offers an ever-changing canvas of natural wonder. In addition to the stunning landscapes, our region is a haven for food enthusiasts. Our food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. From farm-to-table restaurants that celebrate locally sourced ingredients to international cuisine that takes your palate on a journey around the globe, there's something for everyone. Yet, the true gem of the Inland Northwest is its people. It's the neighbors who greet you with a smile, the volunteers who tirelessly work to better our communities, and the genuine sense of camaraderie that permeates every corner. In times of need, we rally together, supporting one another with open hearts and outstretched hands. For those of us fortunate enough to live in this region, we are blessed in more ways than we can count. The combination of stunning natural beauty and the incredible warmth of our community creates an unparalleled quality of life. It's a place where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and cherish the kindness of our fellow residents. So, as we celebrate the gift of living in the Inland Northwest, let us never forget the treasures that surround us daily, from the awe-inspiring landscapes to the camaraderie of our community. It's a privilege to call this place home, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share these stories with you.

Strengthening communities ... one purchase at a time Shopping is a beloved pastime for many individuals, particularly when they chance upon hidden stores or specialty products they never knew existed. There is always a reason, if not an occasion, to treat yourself or someone special to a thoughtful surprise. While online shopping with large corporations has made our lives more convenient, covering everything from clothing and beauty products to household essentials, holiday gifts, and more, it is crucial to support our local businesses by patronizing them in person. Visiting these establishments, interacting with the owners, and physically examining the merchandise enhances the overall shopping experience. In the Inland Northwest, there are numerous locally owned businesses, some of which create most, if not all, of the products they offer, whether in-store, online, or both. Although this is just a glimpse of the diverse range of options available, here are some Inland Northwest businesses that offer distinctive and one-of-a-kind items, with the added benefit of being locally owned. Carousel Emporium Offering a twirling array of fashion, accessories, home décor, antiques and more, each item is handpicked to ensure the utmost quality and artisanship in support of local and international artists. Providing a wide variety of beautiful women's clothing, jewelry and accessories, delightful children's toys, unique antique furniture, and inspiring and well-crafted homewares and gift items, look no further than Carousel Emporium. Facebook carouselsandpoint Sandpoint, ID Finan McDonald Finan McDonald Clothing Company opened its doors in downtown Sandpoint in 1987. Specializing in natural fiber clothing with an outdoorsy look and feel, Finan McDonald has been a favorite for both locals and tourists for nearly 30 years. Customers will find men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, footwear, travel gear and accessories! FinanMcDonald.com Sandpoint, ID River Park Square Boasting 420,000 square feet comprised of 55 businesses, River Park Square features everything from Nordstrom, movies and home fashion to casual and full-service dining and entertainment. When it comes to the shopping, they've curated a collection of stores to enhance your experience in downtown Spokane. Shop indoors or venture outside and enjoy local and national brands alike—all at River Park Square! RiverParkSquare.com Spokane, WA Coeur d’Alene Clothing Company Coeur d'Alene Clothing Company is more than a souvenir shop. They are passionate about the city of Coeur d'Alene and state of Idaho—and the connection to home. You will see this in all of their original merchandise. They've recently expanded with a new store, The Annex, featuring children’s clothing and their unique line of adventure clothing. CdAIdaho.com Coeur d’Alene, ID Black Sheep Sporting Goods Since 1975, Black Sheep Sporting Goods has served as the Inland Northwest's premier source for quality sporting goods at the lowest possible price! Carrying a full line of quality outdoor products related to hunting, fishing, shooting sports, camping, marine, outdoor clothing and footwear, you'll find everything you need in their nearly 92,000-square-foot space in the Silver Lake Mall. BlackSheepSportingGoods.com Coeur d’Alene, ID Echo Boutique + Annex Looking to find the best brands while saving? Echo Boutique + Annex in Spokane is the answer. With a mission to provide consignors with a quality environment and customers an elevated shopping experience, this is the place to shop a variety of high-quality pieces in like-new condition. Helping consignors and customers curate wardrobes they love, without hurting their wallet. EchoConsignment.com Spokane, WA Flour Mill Located on the northern shore of the Spokane River, the Flour Mill stands as an historic landmark hosting a variety of local businesses waiting to be discovered. Offering shopping, dining, and a breathtaking vista of the city and the Spokane River, the Flour Mill remains a cherished fixture of our historic downtown area. 621 W. Mallon Ave. Spokane, WA Panhandle Red Since 2008, Krista Panerio and husband Justin Moody have set out to provide the North Idaho community with the best when it comes to Panhandle Red. Here, quality comes first, with their products meant to stand the test of time. They specialize in custom leather goods, everything from luxury handbags, duffle bags and totes, to purses, clutches, belts, wallets, holsters and more! They also offer one-of-a-kind silver jewelry, turquoise jewelry, Western and cowgirl designs, as well as modern jewelry. PanhandleRed.com Post Falls, ID Grace & Joy Clothing Company At Grace & Joy, their Grace & Joy Collection is handcrafted in small quantities by their talented tailors. Located in the heart of downtown Sandpoint, they aim to provide treasures that are timeless, a little bit trendy, and everything chic. Facebook ShopGraceAndJoy Sandpoint, ID Burl Wood Dreams For 32 years, Corey Obenauer has been building with passion and quality, creating exciting new pieces, from all types of premium wood, to appease the appetite of live wood edge lovers everywhere, and to enhance his customers' homes. They are proud to feature many extremely talented local artists, including carvers, turners, painters, metal artists, and more, with their works displayed in their store. There’s always a fresh and exciting new inventory of exquisite décor, as well as functional art. instagram burlwooddreams Sandpoint, ID

Photo By Diamond K Photography by Keri Anderson May 18 Held at Red Lion Templin's on the River in Post Falls, Sip Idaho North, Idaho's premier liquor tasting event, returns Saturday, May 18, for its second year. Guests will be treated to liquor samplings, a fully catered appetizer buffet and live music. Tickets are $65 for General Admission or $100 for the VIP Experience, which allows attendees access to the event one hour earlier for a more exclusive and intimate experience. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online. SipIdahoEvent.com

May 10 - 12 Spokane wineries host this raise-a-glass worthy event each spring over Mother’s Day weekend. Make a day of it—or weekend—and stop by participating wineries and taste all the wonderful wines these local Washington wineries are pouring. A great way to celebrate Mom … exploring and tasting all of what our winemakers have to offer. And it doesn’t hurt to fit in a little shopping between tastings. Participating wineries and special winery events can be found online. SpokaneWineries.com

April 20 The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association will once again host its Wine Extravaganza in downtown Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, April 20. Enjoy sips from 20 wineries while strolling through some of your favorite local shops as they become pop-up tasting rooms, each showcasing something different! With dozens of varietals, wine cocktails and live music, there will be something for every wine connoisseur! CdADowntown.com

April 5 - 7 The annual Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival returns April 5 through 7 to The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Featuring the best talent in local, regional and national blues artists, the Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival has won the Inland Blues Society “Best Blues Festival” five years running. All are invited to attend this soul-swingin’ weekend celebrating the best of modern blues. To view the 2024 performers and lineup of events, be sure to find the event on Facebook. CdAResort.com

March 22 - 24 The University of Idaho hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. Don't miss your chance to experience March Madness® in Spokane March 22 and 24 at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena! General public all-session tickets are sold out, but tickets may still be purchased through The NCAA Fan Experience and NCAA Ticket Exchange. SpokaneArena.com

March 01 - 03 Held March 1 through 3 at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, Custer's 47th annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show will feature professional artists and crafters from across the Northwest. From fine art and hand crafts to specialty foods, browse and shop the largest show of its kind in the Inland Northwest. CusterShows.com

February 10 The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association presents this annual tasting event each February, with this year’s Chocolate Affair scheduled for Saturday, February 10. Bundle up and head to downtown Coeur d’Alene from 3 to 7pm, where your tasting adventure will take you to participating businesses, each featuring their own unique and delicious chocolatey creation for you to savor. Don’t wait! Get your tickets today. CdADowntown.com

January 1 Join Tesh Inc. for the 47th annual "Hangover Handicap," as you run, jog, walk or roll with friends, neighbors, clients, families, and community business partners, while helping to raise funds, and awareness, for the youth and adults with disabilities in our community. The run begins at 9:30am and will start and finish at Atlas Waterfront Park in Coeur d’Alene. All proceeds from this event benefit Tesh, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization whose core purpose is to offer choices and opportunities to people of all ages seeking greater independence, self-sufficiency, and participation in their community. TeshInc.com