Innovia Foundation Celebrates Community at Kamiah Barbecue Days
Spokane, WA, August 15, 2024 – Kamiah Barbecue Days has been a time-honored tradition for nearly 90 years, where local artists, vendors and community members celebrate the end of summer. Beginning as a one-day event, the celebration has become a Labor Day weekend staple, and this year, Barbecue Days will expand into a week-long celebration, featuring 12 attractions, all free of charge.
This year, in recognition of its 50th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community,” Innovia Foundation is investing in free and low-cost events and opportunities that bring people together. As part of this investment, Innovia Foundation is proud to sponsor Kamiah Barbecue Days and provide free admission to the family-friendly attractions.
The celebration on August 29 to September 2 will feature games, rides and activities hosted by local youth organizations, and an afternoon rodeo on Saturday, August 31. As a result of Innovia’s sponsorship, the Adventure Zone at Wa-A’Yas Community Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of Barbecue Days. For the full event line-up, visit goinnovia.org/kamiahbbqdays.
“Thanks to Innovia Foundation’s generous grant, the Kamiah Chamber of Commerce and the Upper Clearwater Community Foundation are pleased to announce an exciting free-admission event for youth during our 88th Annual Kamiah Barbecue Days,” says Taffee Schaak, Kamiah Chamber of Commerce Coordinator. “Together, we’re making a positive impact on young lives!”
Kamiah Barbecue Days began in 1936 when a group of community-minded merchants held a free barbecue to thank local residents for their patronage. For nearly a century, the Kamiah Chamber of Commerce has kept this beloved tradition alive. From watching the grand parade with floats featuring proud Kamiah High School alumni, to viewing artwork and quilts by local artists, to partaking in local street cuisine, Kamiah Barbecue Days are always centered around community, family and friends.
As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Innovia actively seeks opportunities to enrich communities by promoting vibrant and accessible experiences in arts and culture.
“We are proud to provide free admission to such a beloved Kamiah tradition,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “We look forward to joining the community for a Labor Day celebration that underscores the history and vibrancy of this region.”
Innovia Foundation’s investment in Kamiah Barbecue 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.
