Spokane, WA, September 24, 2024 – Each year, the small community of Marcus, Washington hosts a day of festivities to celebrate the arrival of the autumn season. A tradition that began in 1974, Marcus CiderFest has become a highly anticipated fall festival for the whole region.

This year, in recognition of Innovia Foundation’s 50^th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community,” Innovia is investing in free and low-cost events and opportunities that bring people together and is pleased to make the kids’ carnival games free at this year’s CiderFest.

The festival opens at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5 with a sausage and gravy breakfast. Visitors are invited to explore the classic car show, an entire field of vendor booths and food trucks, watch the parade travel down Highway 25, listen to live music on the main stage throughout the day, and enjoy the beer garden with more live music into the evening. A central feature to the festival includes the giant, homemade cider press where festival-goers can purchase fresh-pressed cider.

“Ciderfest has become a gathering place for friends, families and neighbors to meet and mingle while supporting the community,” says Janet Worden, President of the CiderFest Board. “We hope to see many more years of festival growth as we pass the torch to our younger generation.”

Fifty years ago, Marcus CiderFest began as an annual pancake breakfast benefiting volunteer firefighters. Today, Marcus welcomes several thousand visitors each year to support local vendors. Currently claiming the title of being the largest festival in Stevens County and surrounding counties, CiderFest has evolved into a beloved celebration, inspiring pride in the hearts of residents.

“Innovia is honored to support events showcasing the vibrant spirit of rural communities,” says Innovia CEO Shelly O’Quinn. “A celebration that attracts visitors from across the region each year, Marcus CiderFest is a true expression of community vitality that we are proud to support.”

Innovia Foundation’s investment in Marcus CiderFest 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 50^th 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.