Unlimited Hydroplane Races, Tri-Cities, Washington
The last weekend in July is a big event for tnty or Franklin Che Tri-Cities, located in Southeastern Washington State, on the Mighty Columbia River. Large crowds gather on the banks along either the Benton County weekend that has drawn people for 48 years.
Many people have attended all or most of the races, with groups
returning annually for reunions dating back to fun days in their youth.ounty sides of the river. 80,000 people in a festive mood set the tone for awhile it is hard for many people to realize the climate anywhere in Washington State being hot and sunny, this is typical. In the shadow of the Cascade Mountains to the west, the annual rainfall in this area is 6 to 7 inches and the highest temperature recorded in the state of 118, was at Ice Harbor Dam just a few miles away on the Snake River.
The event today is much tamer than it was in the early days when alcohol consumption seemed to fuel the action and be the reason for the season. Now it is much more family friendly, but still a lot of fun for all attending.
While the Unlimited Hydroplanes bring excitement to the energetic throngs of race watchers.d center stage, there are many other events during the weekend including the Miss Tri-Cities Beauty Pageant and of course fantastic air shows that have featured Military teams from the United States and Canada, in addition to well-known stunt pilots. Trails of smoke showing the intricate maneuvers of these highly skilled pilot the precision and speed of the military planes only adds to the excitement. There have been vintage planes that bring nostalgic memories to those aviation fans in the know.
In early days, the roar of Allison and Rolls Royce powered hydroplanes could be heard for miles and the reverberation could be felt in your body. The air was filled with an electric kind of excitement. Today, with the change to turbo charged helicopter engines the sound is a loud whine, but exciting none the less.
The spray of water produced by the props spinning at incredible speeds is highly visible. Because of the shape this plume of water is called a rooster tail. The sight of rooster tails only adds to the highly visible excitement and drama of the competitive races.
During the warm up before each race, the sound of the engines invigorates the crowd, which quickly moves from the grass lined areas where friends meet to water’s edge to exhibit and absorb the racing spirit.
While the many fans are there to meet old friend, make new ones, and share the joy of the sport, there are plenty of people there just to share in the excitement of the event.
In order for the event to flow as flawlessly, there are many people that work diligently behind the scenes to make the races happen, with the famous Lampson blue cranes working the pits lifting the boats in and out of the water being a sign of the races.
Safety is paramount and many rescue people are prepared for emergencies on the water and to tend to any difficulties suffered by the celebratory crowds. Many of these people have worked tirelessly for years. The work of volunteers who have worked tirelessly for many years makes this truly a community effort.
Public servants also work tirelessly to maintain safety and security for those attending the races and insuring safety to the public both at the race course and to those that leave still in a ce
lebratory mood because of the festivities. These dedicated public safety people help insure a fun and safe week end for all.
If you are looking for a fun family event that seems to celebrate the warm weather and sunshine, then put this event on your calendar. The last weekend of July is Race Week in Tri-Cities, Washington. Pasco in Frank
lin County, Kennewick and Richland in Benton County are the place to be. There is fun to be had by all!