Foundation celebrates with free family movies

Historic theaters with tons of charm — and pack in plenty of great entertainment as well.

Now, you can add free movies this month to the list.

For decades, historic movie houses in the region have served as welcoming places where neighbors, families and friends can come together to experience art and entertainment, Innovia Foundation officials said.

During the month of February, Innovia officials said they wanted to shine a light on some of the historic theaters, including the Panida Theater, by offering free screenings of family-friendly films. The free movies are 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.

“Community is the heart and soul of Innovia Foundation,” Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation, said. “Our celebration of historic theaters this month underscores the importance of a vibrant arts and culture network throughout the region and especially in rural communities.”

Steeped in nostalgia, the featured theaters in February include the Roxy Theater in Newport, the Panida Theater in Sandpoint, The Ritz in Ritzville, Liberty Theater in Dayton and the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center in Moscow. Additional locations and details will be added throughout the month.

"Historic theaters bring tremendous value to communities as places where people can come together in their shared love for movies and live arts,” says Colin Mannex, executive director of the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. “When people attend a show at a landmark cinema, they get an opportunity to participate in something special. These old venues provide important spaces to reinforce community ties. They create a sense of local pride and connection that comes with shared cultural history and stewardship across generations.”

In Sandpoint, "Cool Runnings" will be shown Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2:30 p.m. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. after the Sandpoint Winter Carnival K-9 Keg Pull.

In Newport, a free movie will be shown Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Roxy Theater. The time and movie have yet to be determined.

Information: innovia.org/fifty