Meet the hydroplane drivers before they hit the water

The community can get up close to the hydros before they hit the water this weekend.

Event Director Kathy Powell says they never know which drivers and boats will be out at the Columbia Center Mall before heading to the pits. The event has been at the mall for the past four years and offers an informal chance for the community to meet with drivers, collect autographs and even touch the hydroplanes.

"It's just been getting more and more popular. I asked for three of each of the classes of boats to come, and sometimes we really hit it out of the park and get quite a few of the Unlimiteds. They like to get their boats out there," says Powell.

The event is free and runs from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday in the Columbia Center Boulevard parking lot.

Don't forget to tune in all this weekend for full coverage of the HAPO Columbia Cup on Newsradio610KONA, your home for Tri-City Water Follies Coverage.