Water Follies pumps $2.7M into the Tri-Cities economy. Can it survive financially?

Wendy Culverwell
·4 min read
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Tri-City Water Follies, the undisputed king of the Mid-Columbia summer calendar, is seeking a new title sponsor to shore up its bottom line two years after HAPO Credit Union stepped out of the role.

The situation isn’t desperate, but the numbers are moving in the wrong direction, said Nathan Craghill, president of the Tri-City Water Follies Association, which organizes the event.

Costs are up about 31% since the COVID pandemic forced Water Follies to cancel the 2020 boat races and confine the air show to a drive-in event.

Fans gather along the shoreline of the Columbia River in Kennewick’s Columbia Park during the the 2018 HAPO Columbia Cup & Over the River Air Show.
Fans gather along the shoreline of the Columbia River in Kennewick’s Columbia Park during the the 2018 HAPO Columbia Cup & Over the River Air Show.

Historically, the Columbia Cup has been one of the longest, steadiest and more popular events on the unlimited hydroplanes circuit. The first race was held in 1966, and has been held annually in the Tri-Cities — outside of 2020 during COVID — for 57 years. This July will mark the 58th running of the event.

Pandemic restrictions lifted in 2021, but led to a curtailed event. Water Follies lost money both years and has operated at a loss ever since.

To be clear, the 2024 Water Follies will occur July 26-28 and Craghill said the next few years are secure as well. But the long-term viability is on the line.

The association has savings and other means to keep the fun going for at least a few more summers, but without additional sponsors Water Follies’ future is shaky.

“Title sponsorship for the hydroplane races is critical for the continuation of the event,” the association said in a statement.

Images from the Sunday air show at the 2022 Tri-Cities Water Follies.
Images from the Sunday air show at the 2022 Tri-Cities Water Follies.

$1.2 million budget

Craghill said it costs about $1.2 million to organize the three-day celebration, which includes the Columbia Cup unlimited hydroplane races and the Over the River Air Show, an exhibition of vintage and military aircraft.

“The unlimited are our number one expense, followed by the air show,” Craghill said.

Water Follies pays fees to H1 Unlimited, the organization that sanctions unlimited hydroplane racing and awards the points that determine standings.

Security coverage, tent rentals, insurance and leasing Kennewick’s Columbia Park all add to the cost to put on an event attended by more than 50,000 people and 1,200-plus volunteers.

The current gap between expenses and revenue from sponsors, tickets and other sources is $100,000 to $125,000 Craghill said.

Final day views of Columbia Cup and Over the River Air Show action from the official Water Follies barge in Kennewick’s Columbia Park.
Final day views of Columbia Cup and Over the River Air Show action from the official Water Follies barge in Kennewick’s Columbia Park.

Tourism juggernaut

At $1.2 million, Water Follies is a good investment in tourism. Visit Tri-Cities calculates it pumps $2.7 million into the local economy. Boat race fans fill hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses.

The Follies board made a similar appeal for help from the public when the race was in dire financial straits in 2007. There was too much trading out of goods and services for tickets.

Lamb Weston, the french fry giant, jumped on board as a major sponsor. And HAPO stepped in when Lamb Weston stepped out.

HAPO departed as title sponsor after the 2022 event. STCU, aka Spokane Teachers Credit Union, continues as sponsor for the Over the River Air Show, a role it took on a year ago.

That leaves Water Follies in search of a title sponsor for the boat races around which Water Follies revolves.

Sponsorship terms

The association has not set a minimum amount to become a title sponsor. Water Follies has a long history of building agreements that benefit both the organization and its supporters.

The Columbia Cup and Over the River Air Show draws thousands to the shoreline in Kennewick’s Columbia Park.
The Columbia Cup and Over the River Air Show draws thousands to the shoreline in Kennewick’s Columbia Park.

A car dealer might loan vehicles to visiting air show pilots. A retailer might sponsor tickets, but require people to pick them up at their business. Another might trade services for a private tent near the river and the race course.

Craghill said Water Follies faces the same inflationary pressures as any organization with bills to pay.

The cost to rent tents, tables and chairs rose to $90,000, from $60,000, seemingly overnight. Security guards who once cost $16-$18 an hour now bill at $29-$30 an hour.

Water Follies has tried to hold the line on admission prices, calling itself the best deal in town for a three-day event. Ticket prices doubled in 15 years. Expenses doubled in just five.

Learn more about becoming a sponsor by contacting Water Follies at info@waterfollies.com or calling 509-783-4675.

Go to waterfollies.com

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