Panida hosting free family movie

SANDPOINT — A free showing of a fun family movie is putting the "Cool" in Winter Carnival this coming weekend.

The free showing of "Cool Runnings" will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the Panida Theater. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. after the Sandpoint Winter Carnival K-9 Keg Pull. Entry to the movie, which is sponsored by the Innovia Foundation, is free and open to all.

Anyone who attends the movie is invited to submit photos from the event for the chance to win a $250 grant to a nonprofit of their choice.

"Part of the Panida Theater's mission is to be a center of entertainment, education and community involvement," Katelyn Shook, Panida events coordinator, said. "The theater provides a fun space to experience joy and art amongst old and new friends. This free movie event brought to us by Innovia Foundation is a wonderful way to check out our theater — especially if you've never been here before."

During February, Innovia Foundation is shining a spotlight on beloved historic theaters like the Panida by offering free screenings of family-friendly films. The free movies are part of a series of events Innovia is gifting to communities across Eastern Washington and North Idaho in celebration of the foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2024.

In addition to 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 its region that are free or low-cost, family-friendly, and have broad community appeal.

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Innovia Foundation invested over $680,000 in Bonner and Boundary counties through grants and scholarships last year. The Foundation also partners with local community leaders and nonprofits to manage the Bonner and Boundary Forever Fund, a community fund that benefits the greatest local needs and opportunities.

Information: innovia.org/fifty