Spokane, WA, July 16, 2024 – Every year, Kootenai River Days draws crowds of locals and visitors alike to celebrate the summer season in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The largest local celebration of the year, the event brings the entire community together for four days of family-friendly festivities, organized by the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce. 

This year, Innovia Foundation is investing in free and low-cost opportunities for communities to gather and celebrate in recognition of its 50th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community.” As part of this investment, Innovia is proud to sponsor the culminating day of the event on Saturday, July 20 with free face painting and cookies. 

“Kootenai River Days is a true sense of community. It’s a time to celebrate our town, history and to reconnect with old friends,” says Jennifer VanEtten, the Community Outreach Coordinator. 

Running July 17 to July 20 in downtown Bonners Ferry, the celebration will feature a farmer’s market street fair with local vendors, a corn hole tournament, a co-ed softball tournament, street dances, food and drink, and a 5k and 10k River Run on July 20.  

Organizing the event’s fun-filled and packed itinerary is a collaborative effort that brings local businesses, vendors, community leaders and volunteers together every year. 

“As a community foundation, we are committed to investing in opportunities that bring people together,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “As a beloved annual tradition, Kootenai River Days does just that, drawing visitors near and far to celebrate all that makes Bonners Ferry so special.” 

Innovia’s investment in Kootenai River Days is 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. More information about these events can be found at innovia.org/fifty. 

Celebrating Community in 2024  

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.  

About Innovia Foundation  

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we partner with people who want to improve their communities and make the world better. We work together to identify and respond to our region’s greatest opportunities, help those in need, and leave a lasting impact. Our mission is to ignite generosity that transforms lives and communities. We envision vibrant and sustainable communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Each year, Innovia Foundation invests $10 million into our communities through grants and scholarships. 

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