Spokane, WA, September 6, 2024 – On Labor Day 2020, devastating wildfires engulfed Malden and Pine City, Washington, destroying 80% of the towns within two and a half hours. Since then, the Pine Creek Community Restoration Long Term Recovery Organization has been working to rebuild the community and restore damage caused by the fires.  

While the community continues to experience trauma from the fire, residents voiced their desire to have a true festival and begin moving forward to celebrate all that is unique and outstanding in their beloved community. The annual Pine Creek Community Fall Festival on September 14 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. invites residents to enjoy local musicians, a barbecue lunch, cultural craft vendors and more.  

The Festival will take place at Malden Community Park, in the heart of the city of Malden. While the park’s recovery remains under way, an updated Park Plan with visual representations of new park features will be shared with the community.  

The Festival will additionally celebrate the near completion of a new Community Center to house the library and food bank, the construction of a new basketball court and pump track, and the placement of new playground equipment, a picnic shelter and benches. 

“While the Babb Road fire initiated these annual gatherings, we’ve since shifted focus. Many wish to move past the fire, while others continue their recovery,” says Chandelle Frick, Executive Director of Pine Creek Community Restoration Long Term Recovery Organization. “The essence of our community events lies in building connections and getting to know our neighbors. It’s centered around sharing common experiences, demonstrating empathy and fostering pride in our community.” 

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Innovia actively seeks opportunities to enrich communities by promoting vibrant and accessible experiences at community gatherings, particularly after the hardships faced by the Pine City and Malden residents.  

In recognition of Innovia Foundation’s 50th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating Community,” Innovia is investing in free and low-cost events and opportunities, like the Pine Creek Community Fall Festival, that bring people together. 

“Innovia Foundation is committed to strengthening communities, especially in times of recovery and rebuilding,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “This festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the unwavering spirit of Malden and Pine City, and we are proud to be a part of this important milestone in their journey of renewal.” 

The festival’s food and activities are provided free of cost for all participants. The event will feature a bike rodeo, live music from local artists, a cherry pie eating contest with prizes for winners and a community spirit photo contest where the top three photos will receive prizes. Food will be provided in the newly completed municipal building and volunteers are available to assist people who need mobility care.  

For more information on the event’s line-up, visit: goinnovia.org/PineCreekFestival. 

Innovia Foundation’s investment in the Pine Creek Community Fall Festival 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.