Visit the Tri-Cities for Summer Water Follies

The Water Follies is an annual event that is anticipated all year by residents of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland, Washington, collectively known as the Tri-Cities of Washington State. The three cities are clustered together on opposite banks of the might Columbia River, where they share a common history and growth. Though located in a northern state, the east side of Washington has a hot, dry summer climate. Living on the shores of the Columbia River provides for many fun summer activities that provide a break from the heat. The Water Follies celebration provides fun for all, typically the last weekend in July.

The festival has many different events over the years, but some aspects have changed very little. There has always been a parade, with floats, marching bands, clowns, military vehicles, fire engines, and many others. The parade is usually run through downtown Kennewick, where there is more parking for spectators. In years past, this parade was run in Columbia Park, a four-mile long strip of green along the river. There is usually a carnival held somewhere in the three cities. This is often held in Columbia Park as well, due to its size and ability to accommodate large amounts of people. Along with the parade, the area holds its Miss Tri-Cities contest during this time. The winner participates in the parade and the Benton-Franklin County Fair among other events. She goes on to the Miss Washington contest.

Another long-time tradition of the Water Follies is the art show. Artists and craftsmen from all over the west come to Richland's Howard Amon park to display their arts and crafts. All items are for sale. Many food vendors are on hand because it could take you all day to see everything. Some artists come year after year, while others are new. Everything is on display from paintings, to pottery, to iron work. There are woodworkers, leather toolers, jewelry makers, and candle makers. There are a large variety of crafts. This show runs for two days and is a favorite of residents and others from nearby cities.

A crowd favorite from years past is the air show. For years the event was held at the Pasco airport as a separate event. For the last several years it is now held on the same day as the hydroplane races. The air show goes on overhead while the races are between heats. The air show includes modern day jets as well as stunt planes. There are also vintage air craft from the early days of flying. This year's event featured flybys by the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. A vintage P-15 Mustang also did some stunt flying with an F-16. These shows are very popular and the noise of the jets can be heard from miles around.

The highlight of the Water Follies is the hydroplane races. Racers began racing hydroplanes on the Columbia River as part of the festival in the 1960s. See http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5676 for a history of the hydroplane races in the Tri-Cities. This year's race was one by Steve David in the Oh Boy Oberto boat. This boat has been one of the mainstays of the hydroplane races for years, so it was nice to see her come in first. In year's past, Miss Budweiser was a crowd favorite because owner Bernie Little always put the best engines and the best drivers together. Upon his death a couple years ago, the races no longer have Budweiser sponsorship. For more information on this year's race and races of years past see http://www.tri-cityherald.com/hydros/.

The Water Follies are a fun, entertaining, and safe way to spend a weekend. The local chambers of commerce are always excited when it arrives because the areas hotels fill with out-of-town guests and spend money in our community. The tourism dollars are good for the local economy of course. But the residents enjoy it for all the fun activities it provides for a hot summer weekend in July.