Spokane, WA, February 15, 2024 – For decades, historic movie houses across Eastern Washington and North Idaho have served as welcoming places where neighbors, families and friends can come together to experience art and entertainment.  

During the month of February, Innovia Foundation is shining a spotlight on some of these beloved historic theaters by offering free screenings of family-friendly films. The free movies are part of a series of events and activities Innovia is gifting to communities across Eastern Washington and North Idaho in celebration of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2024.  

“Community is the heart and soul of Innovia Foundation,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “Our celebration of historic theaters this month underscores the importance of a vibrant arts and culture network throughout the region and especially in rural communities.”  

Steeped in nostalgia, the featured theaters in February include The Roxy Theater in Newport, the Panida in Sandpoint, the Ritz in Ritzville, the Liberty Theater in Dayton, the Empire Theatre in Tekoa and the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre in Moscow, ID. Additional locations and details will be added throughout the month.  

“Historic theaters bring tremendous value to communities as places where people can come together in their shared love for movies and live arts,” says Colin Mannex, Executive Director of the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. “When people attend a show at a landmark cinema, they get an opportunity to participate in something special. These old venues provide important spaces to reinforce community ties. They create a sense of local pride and connection that comes with shared cultural history and stewardship across generations.” 

Innovia is proud to invest in rural communities across Eastern Washington and North Idaho by sponsoring free community experiences at some of the region’s most iconic movie theaters. Entry is free and open to all at each venue: 

Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, Moscow, ID 

Date/Time: Saturday, February 24 at 3:00 p.m. 

Movie selection: The Emperor’s New Groove 

Attendees are invited to enjoy a free small popcorn and ice cream. 

The Ritz Theatre, Ritzville, WA 

Dates/Times: 

• Friday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. 
• Sunday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m. 

Movie selection: Migration 

Every person will receive one free small soft drink. 

The Panida Theater, Sandpoint, ID 

Date/Time: Sunday, February 25 at 2:30 p.m. 

Movie selection: Cool Runnings 

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. after the Sandpoint Winter Carnival K-9 Keg Pull. 

The Empire Theatre, Tekoa, WA 

Date/Time: Saturday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. 

Movie selection: The Parent Trap (1998) 

Every person will receive one free concession item. 

The Roxy Theater, Newport, WA  

Date/Time: Saturday, February 24, 3:00 p.m. 

Movie selection: Trolls Band Together 

Every person will receive one free small popcorn. 

The Liberty Theater, Dayton, WA 

Date/Time: Saturday, February 24 at 3:00 p.m. 

Movie selection: The Wizard of Oz 

Every person will receive one free small popcorn and soft drink. 

More information about these events can be found at innovia.org/fifty. 

Together with media partner NonStop Local KHQ, Innovia is Celebrating Community, a year-long, region-wide celebration of the volunteers, citizens and organizations that have faithfully served the needs of communities for 50 years in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Each month, Innovia will gift the region with free, inclusive, family-friendly activities and experiences to commemorate the Foundation’s past, present and future of bringing people together to transform lives and communities. Event details will be released at the beginning of each month throughout 2024.  

50th Anniversary Calendar of Events 

In addition to Innovia-sponsored community events, the Foundation has launched an online calendar where individuals and organizations can submit information about celebrations and activities in their community. The calendar is open to any events within the Foundation’s region that are free or low-cost, family-friendly and have a broad community appeal. Calendar entries can be submitted at innovia.org/fifty.  

Photo Drawing 

Community members who attend Innovia-sponsored community events this year are invited to submit their photos from the event for a chance to win a photo drawing. Winners will be selected in March, June, September and December to receive a $250 grant to a nonprofit of their choice. Entries can be submitted by posting photos on Instagram with the hashtag #innoviacelebratescommunity or by submitting through an online form. Full drawing details and rules, including the online submission form, can be found at innovia.org/fifty. 

More information about Innovia Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, 2024 celebrations and history can be found at innovia.org/fifty. 

Innovia Foundation is proud to partner with NonStop Local KHQ for community coverage of these family free events.