Colfax (April 8, 2020) - After careful consideration regarding the health and safety of its community, exhibitors and staff, the Port of Whitman County has made the difficult decision to cancel the annual Snake River Family Festival, scheduled for May 30. 

“We are very disappointed that we cannot host this year’s festival for our community. It has become a cherished celebration of our river, and we will miss seeing all of our wonderful exhibitors and attendees,” said Joe Poire, Executive Director. “But we do know this is the right decision based on the public health guidelines we have today.” 

Following Gov. Jay Inslee’s extended stay-at-home order through May 4, the Port decided canceling the festival was the best way to respond to Washington’s COVID-19 outbreak. 

The Port explored postponing the festival to August but ultimately decided that harvest and back-to-school time would preclude too many people from participating. 

“We’re expiring many ‘firsts’ right now: our first ever virtual commission meeting, and now our first festival cancellation,” Poire said. “We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding during these unprecedented times. Fortunately, these times will not last.” 

Port Commissioners and staff look forward to celebrating the Snake River once again in early summer 2021. The free, family-oriented festival draws about 500 people to Boyer Park & Marina in Colfax each year to celebrate the multi-faceted Columbia-Snake River System. 

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About the Port of Whitman County

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.