IMNAHA — It’s time to celebrate spring at Imnaha Store and Tavern’s third annual “Into the Hills” music festival on Saturday, April 27, 3-10 p.m.

Cody Mawhinney, owner of the Imnaha Store and Tavern since 2018, launched the outdoor music festival three years ago as an early celebration of spring for Wallowa County. Spring hits Imnaha a bit earlier than the rest of the county and usually allows an earlier-in-the-season outdoor music festival experience.

“Not much is going on (in the county) yet,” Mawhinney said, so he decided to create something for local people to enjoy.

It has been so well attended and such an enjoyable event that he continues to plan and coordinate this now-annual community event. He also considers it a customer appreciation opportunity, thanking the customers who support the 120-year-old Imnaha Store and Tavern.

Mawhinney reported that about 600 people attended the 2023 festival and he’s expecting about the same this year.

“I’m not on social media and I don’t really advertise, but word gets out,” he said.

He is prepared for more people to attend but realizes there is a limit to how many the festival and community can manage.

The festival

This spring, Mawhinney will be transforming his llama shed into a music stage and the fields behind the tavern into a festival venue. Music will be provided by an eclectic list of Wallowa County musicians: Napster Disaster, DaisymakeR, Bart Budwig, Hard Luck 7, JessieBee and Country Moonshine.

The music begins at 3 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m.

Free, family friendly

This is a free, family-friendly event, but dogs are not permitted. The musicians are paid by the generosity of the festival attendees — donations are encouraged and will be collected at the event. All monies will be dispersed to the musicians.

An event enjoyed by people of all ages, families were a big part of the event and are encouraged to attend. This year, a paint station will be added for the children to enjoy.

Food

Z’s BBQ truck from Lostine will be on site providing food during the festival as well as serving breakfast the next morning. No alcohol will be sold on the premises, and the tavern will close when the festival begins. Personal food and beverages are permitted.

Attendees are encouraged to be responsible with alcohol consumption, and festival attendees are asked to plan ahead by appointing a designated driver or camping overnight.

The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office will be present.

Lodging

Imnaha Canyon Lodging and RV park, located just above the venue, is sold out due to this event. They arranged for auxiliary spaces for RVs, and those sold out quickly as well.

“I think it’s going to be even bigger than last year,” Mawhinney said.

Additional festival night camping will be available thanks to the tavern’s neighbors, Chuck and Charlene Wikstrom.

Mawhinney encourages everyone to be prepared for the weather. This is an outdoor event, so bring chairs, picnic blankets, sunscreen and a raincoat for good measure.

But most of all, Mawhinney wants everyone to “bring a good attitude, lawn chairs and have a good time.”

For additional information, contact the Imnaha Store and Tavern at 541-577-3111.