Spokane, WA, July 3, 2024 – Situated in the heart of Oakesdale, the JC Barron Flour Mill represents the rich history and visual identity of the community. Every summer, the town honors the iconic Old Mill during Old Mill Days, an annual celebration that draws visitors near and far to celebrate all that makes Oakesdale so special. 

To honor the event’s longstanding tradition of bringing the community together, and to continue Innovia Foundation’s partnership with community leaders to acquire, preserve and restore the Old Mill, Innovia is proud to sponsor Old Mill Days this year on July 12 and 13. As part of their 50th Anniversary celebration this year, Innovia’s sponsorship brings a fun-filled line-up of free activities to the event, including free swimming at the Oakesdale Pool, a free ice cream sandwich for kids at Crossett’s Food Market and a sneak preview of the community’s acquisition of the historic Old Mill. 

Event highlights on Saturday, July 13 include: 

View a full list of activities here.

“We are excited that Old Mill Days continues to be such a beloved community event. Our goal is to bring people together to celebrate the rich history and community spirit that makes Oakesdale such a wonderful place,” shares Jake Dingman, Oakesdale Schools Superintendent and Old Mill Days planning member. “We are grateful for Innovia’s partnership and generous support!” 

Innovia Foundation will be on-site at the Old Mill during the celebration, providing community members the opportunity to view the inside of the historic structure and learn more about the community-wide effort to preserve it for future generations.  

Last year, former Oakesdale resident and local business leader, Larry Stanley joined with the Town of Oakesdale, Innovia Foundation and Oakesdale community members to launch a matching gift challenge to acquire the historic Old Mill and return it to the community for economic revitalization and historic preservation. Gifts from Larry Stanley and the wider community bring the total funds committed to the matching challenge to $138,000. The community is encouraged to join Larry in raising the funds needed to secure the future of the Old Mill, with every gift matched 1:1 up to $120,000. With the generosity of the community, the iconic structure can be purchased, restored and preserved as an economic driver for the future of the town. Give and learn more at innovia.org/oakesdale.

A community advisory committee composed of cross-sector leaders has developed a plan to maximize the mill’s role in Oakesdale with the long-term goal of generating community vitality. Once restored, the mill could serve a variety of purposes, such as housing a “business incubator,” including space for small, local businesses and artisans. 

“Oakesdale’s Old Mill Days is a testament to the unity of this community and the passion its residents have for strengthening their shared future,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO at Innovia Foundation. “It is a tremendous honor for Innovia to partner with those who love Oakesdale to invest in this beloved event, while also supporting the town’s dreams for the future of the Old Mill.” 

Innovia’s investment in Old Mill Days is part of a lineup 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.