This July marks the 57th annual return of the Water Follies hydroplane races on the Columbia River. Set in the heart of the Tri-Cities, this event has become extremely popular over the years, drawing an audience from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Every year since the summer of 1966, high-speed racing boats have taken to the river to compete in several rounds (called “heats”) of white-knuckle time trials that culminate in an exhilarating head-to-head race. While the tradition of the Water Follies has remained largely the same throughout the years, the technology that goes into these top-of-the-line racing boats – known as Unlimited Hydroplanes – has evolved with the times.
These heavily modified racing boats do not share much in common with their ancestors that paved the way for the Follies in the 1960’s. Today, they contain powerful turbine engines capable of making approximately 3,000 horsepower and accelerating these 7,000-pound behemoths to a blistering 200 miles per hour in the straightaways. 12 Unlimited Hydroplanes are scheduled to be in attendance this year (the same number that participated in the original Follies), ensuring an exciting level of competition that’s sure to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Numerous local food and beverage carts will flock to the banks for the Columbia River, allowing onlookers to stroll between stalls and fuel up while the action blazes on in the background. If purchasing food and drinks on-site isn’t quite your style, tailgating at this event has become something of a Tri-City pastime. Load up your coolers with snacks and drinks and pack a portable grill with some burgers or hotdogs, and you’ll become a local legend in no time. Many Tri-Citians eagerly await the return of the Water Follies each year, as the entire community comes together to enjoy the warm summer weather and experience the adrenaline rush provided by some of the fastest boats in the world competing head-to-head.
If the sheer excitement of the boat races doesn’t pack quite enough of a punch for you, fear not. In addition to the races and delicious local foods available, the STCU Over-the-River Airshow returns to the Water Follies, promising just as much excitement for airplane enthusiasts as hydroplane fans. The airshow, which has become an integral part of the Water Follies event throughout the years, is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory this time around. The most advanced fighter jet in the world, the F-35A Lightning II, is set to make an appearance in the skies over the mighty Columbia. Don’t blink, you might just miss it! Additionally, heritage formation flights will be taking place throughout the day, giving spectators a view of some of America’s most respected retired aircraft in their full glory. Also slotted for the airshow are appearances from the F4U Corsair, the F8F Bearcat, and the A-37 Dragonfly.
Don’t miss out on your chance to join the fun for this Tri-City tradition. Whether you haven’t missed a Water Follies event in the past 10 years, or you’ve yet to attend your first boat races, it’s shaping up to be another amazing year on the Columbia.
