BREAKING: COVID claims Water Follies for 2nd year in a row

TRI-CITIES, Wash.- For the second year in a row, the annual Water Follies celebration has been scrubbed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Tri-City Water Follies Association made the decision to cancel the 2021 HAPO Over-the-River Air Show and Columbia Cup Monday evening.

“Due to the recently issued Washington State Guidelines for Special Events, the size and scope of Boat Race weekend is not allowed” Hector Cruz, President of the Tri-City Water Follies regrettably announced.

“The Tri-City Water Follies Board of Directors partnered and worked very hard with the City of Kennewick, City of Pasco and Visit Tri-Cities to communicate with the Governor’s office to amend the guidelines.” Kathy Powell, Event Director sadly explained. “We gave it our best shot, to no avail”.

Kennewick’s City Manager, Marie Mosley, acknowledged the efforts of Water Follies Association volunteers. “We’re disappointed for our citizens that look forward to the annual races and airshow, Mosley said. “The iconic Water Follies event is a showcase attraction for our community, and its positive impact on tourism will be missed.”

Approximately 1200 volunteers work throughout the year to plan and organize the event for 65,000 spectators. The Tri-Cities is recognized throughout the circuit as a top venue for the sport and consistently receives recognition as the best racecourse for fans and race teams.