Spokane, WA, September 25, 2024 – Every fall, the Port of Columbia showcases the Dayton community through the annual Oktoberfest Fall Family Festival. The event bolsters the local economy by promoting local vendors and businesses and celebrating the region’s vibrancy and spirit. 

Community festivals play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness, bringing neighbors and families together to celebrate shared traditions and local culture. These events not only attract visitors and support small businesses, but they also strengthen social bonds and create lasting memories for residents. 

This year, in recognition of Innovia Foundation’s 50th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community,” Innovia is investing in free and low-cost events and opportunities that bring people together. In honor of this commitment, Innovia is proud to support the Dayton Oktoberfest and sponsor a bungee trampoline for families to enjoy. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of Innovia Foundation,” said Jill Essency, Economic Development Coordinator, Port of Columbia. “Innovia’s contribution has helped us create a more engaging and memorable event for our community with a new family-friendly activity. This exciting addition of a Euro Bungee trampoline will give kids and families a memorable experience to enjoy, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everyone take part in the fun!” 

The festival will be held at Blue Mountain Station in Dayton, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event features Oktoberfest fare from a variety of local vendors, live music and family-friendly activities, such as the bungee trampoline, a cake walk, pumpkin and gourd painting, limbo, face painting, friendship bracelet making, lawn games and a photo booth. Community members can also browse the wares of area artists and crafters set up around the festival. 

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Innovia actively seeks opportunities to enrich communities by promoting vibrant and accessible experiences within local communities. 

“We are honored to support the Dayton Oktoberfest Fall Family Festival,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO, Innovia Foundation. “Through this sponsorship, we are investing in experiences that create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds within our local community. We are pleased to be part of this beloved tradition and look forward to seeing families come together for a day of fun and celebration.” 

Innovia’s investment in Dayton Oktoberfest 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.