CTUIR Co-sponsoring Tri-City Water Follies

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) is helping sponsor the 2024 Tri-City Water Follies being held July 26-28 in Kennewick and Pasco, Washington.

The Water Follies is a weekend of hydroplane boat racing in pursuit of the Apollo Columbia Cup and a stop for the H1 Unlimited hydroplane race schedule, showcasing multiple classes of boats. It also features the Spokane Teachers Credit Union Over-the-River Air Show and other exhibitions.

The CTUIR is putting up $17,500 as this year’s purse money for the Apollo Columbia Cup, which will be determined Sunday evening. First place will receive $10,000. Second place will earn $5,000, and third place will get $2,500.

“We are excited to co-sponsor this year’s Tri-City Water Follies as the Tri-Cities area is part of the CTUIR’s traditional use and aboriginal title lands,” CTUIR Chairman Gary I. Burke said. “It’s an honor to be a part of such a fun event and to be able to provide the purse money for the Apollo Columbia Cup.”

Along with co-sponsoring the event, the CTUIR will also have a hospitality tent at Gate H2 and has invited Trios Healthcare employees, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1296 fire fighters and Yakama Nation dignitaries as its guests.

Showcasing various activities, the Water Follies annually draw crowds of approximately 50,000 to Kennewick’s Columbia Park and 15,000 to the Pasco shore during its three days. The Tri-Cities area is a metropolitan area consisting of Benton and Franklin counties in Washington state, anchored by the cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Tribes, and formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.