For over a century, the people of Colville have known how to celebrate. From its earliest days, the town has embraced community gatherings as a way to connect, share, and grow together.
The tradition began in 1914, when Colville hosted its first annual street fair—an event that would later become known as Yep Kanum Days. At a time when electricity was still a novelty, the local newspaper encouraged businesses to light up their storefronts in celebration. The name “Yep Kanum,” drawn from the language of the Colville Confederated Tribes, means “harvest time” or “good time.” It reflects the spirit of gathering that has long been part of this area’s history. The original event featured agricultural exhibits, a baseball tournament, live music, and even demonstrations of electric power. Over the years, it evolved into a beloved Fall Festival and Livestock Show, drawing crowds from across the region.
Fast forward to the 1980s, the celebration found a new home in Yep Kanum City Park. For 35 years, Rendezvous Days was a staple of Colville summers, attracting nearly 100 vendors annually and offering a weekend full of food, crafts, and entertainment. But like many traditions, it faced challenges. The last Rendezvous Days was held in 2019. The pandemic forced a pause in 2020, and in the years that followed, a shortage of volunteers left the event in limbo.
That’s when Nikole Morrison stepped in.
With deep roots in the event—her family once ran both craft and food booths—Nikole felt a calling to bring the celebration back, not just for nostalgia’s sake, but for the future. For her grandkids and for the community.
Now Vice President of the newly formed Yep Kanum Celebration nonprofit, Nikole and a dedicated team of eight core volunteers have spent nearly ten months planning and fundraising to revive the event. Their mission: to honor the past while creating something vibrant and meaningful for today’s community.
The Yep Kanum Celebration will feel familiar. It spans three days and offers something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy:
Many of the activities also serve as fundraisers for local organizations, reinforcing the event’s commitment to giving back.
Support from sponsors like Avista has helped make the celebration possible. While the big banners Avista helped hang in the past may be missing this year, Nikole is optimistic: “Maybe next year,” she said.
When asked why she’s taken on this monumental task, Nikole’s answer is simple but powerful: “I’m focusing on the importance of community and trying to bring people together in this crazy world we live in. We can’t control everything that goes on, but we can work to make our communities better.”
Yep Kanum Celebration will be held at Yep Kanum City Park on July 18-20, 2025.
This is just one example of small communities powered by big hearts.
Colville is in Avista’s Washington service territory and is home to almost 7,000 Avista customers.