KENNEWICK, Wash. – The 60th annual Tri-Cities Water Follies attracted thousands of people to both sides of the Columbia River.
The event showcased boats and planes, with boats competing for the Gold Cup for the first time in a decade.
“We love this history. We love the culture. We love the camaraderie with the people we only see about once a year…We look forward to it every year,” Stephen Korenkiewicz said.
For both long-time event goers and newcomers, the Tri-Cities Water Follies is a unique tradition.
“We were literally driving over the bridge, and we saw the boats and we’re like, oh my gosh, that’s so cool. What is this?” Britney Dahler said.
The three-day event is known for its spectacular shows. The Korenkiewicz family has made it an annual tradition.
“It’s just the overall everyone getting together…It’s like an annual thing. All the friends and families get together. It’s a tradition. There’s a lot of memories here,” Johnny Korenkiewicz.
Dahler, traveling back home to Banff, Canada with her partner after competing in an Ironman in Salem, Oregon. She says she and her partner stumbled upon the event by chance.
“We literally like quickly googled maps…turned around, and then just came here to check it out. And it hasn’t disappointed at all,” she said. She added that next time, they would bring chairs and recommended the event to everyone.
The Korenkiewicz family has attended the event since the late 70s, always in the same spot.
“It’s the only grassy knoll that’s out here…That’s the fun part is watching the start of the boats all roaring down the river at the same time…It’s still something we look forward to every year,” Johnny emphasized.
Tomorrow will conclude the weekend’s events. Be sure to follow all the action on our website.
