Spokane, WA, July 23, 2024 – On August 3, the town of Chewelah, Washington will draw crowds of locals and visitors alike for the community’s first-ever summer celebration. Organized by the Chewelah Chamber of Commerce, City of Chewelah and Chewelah Festivals, the inaugural Chewelah Summerfest will benefit and support the Chewelah School District as it brings families in the community together for a day of celebration. 

As part of its 50th Anniversary theme, “Celebrating Community,” Innovia Foundation is proud to sponsor this upcoming family-friendly event, free and open to all.  

“We look forward to supporting the Chewelah Chamber of Commerce in welcoming locals and visitors for a celebration of the summer season,” says Innovia’s Rural Engagement Officer, Dig Chrismer. “Providing the community an opportunity to build connections with one another is vital to the cultivation of a vibrant and prosperous future.” 

The fun-filled day will take place on Saturday, August 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., featuring a kids’ area courtesy of Innovia, live music, a car show, water slide, games and duck races. The event will also spotlight the talent of local artisans, and food and drink vendors for visitors to enjoy. Activities will take place at Chewelah City Park, the Chewelah Golf Course and Mistequa Casino Hotel. 

“As the first event of its kind in Chewelah, Chewelah Summerfest represents a community-wide effort to inspire togetherness and engagement,” says Innovia CEO Shelly O’Quinn. “Innovia is proud to invest in an event that will unite the local community in their shared love of everything that makes Chewelah so special.” 

Innovia’s investment in Chewelah Summerfest 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.