General Information A to Z
Tri-City Water Follies is committed to exceeding expectations by providing the best boat racing, air show and shoreline entertainment experience while ensuring the safety and security of all Guests.
Accessibility: Tri-City Water Follies has a designated handicap parking area. Use the Highway 240 entrance in Kennewick into the GA main lot. If you require assistance to get in to Columbia Park from the parking lot, please phone 509/460-6504 or 509-551-0572. For Pasco, park access is located right off of Rd. 54.
Address Event: Kennewick: 5111 Columbia Park Trail Kennewick, WA 99336. Pasco: 601 Rd. 54 Pasco, WA 99301
Address Office: Tri-City Water Follies office: 621 N Gum St, Ste A. Kennewick, WA 99336.
Alcohol: General admission guest: may not bring alcoholic beverages onto the premises at any time.
Private Hospitality guest: only guests with premium parking passes may enter with alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed through pedestrian gates. Alcohol in transport must be sealed and covered in cooler, bag, etc. Alcohol may not be consumed outside of eligible hospitality areas (citations will be issued). No one under 21 is allowed to consume alcoholic beverages in any area. Anyone under 21 consuming alcohol will receive a citation and so may the host, but guests under 21 are allowed in hospitality areas.
Service and Consumption: The Tri-City Water Follies has adopted an alcohol policy that is designed to protect our guests and our community. We ask our guests to please drink responsibly. Cabs, Ben Franklin Transit and drop off/pick-up areas are available in Columbia Park (Kennewick side).
Tri-City Water Follies Guests are expected to obey all state and local laws governing the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcohol. It is illegal for anyone under the age of twenty one (21) years old to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. Guests under the age of 21, that are in possession of or observed consuming alcoholic beverages along with guests who pass off alcohol to a guest under the age of 21, will be referred to the Kennewick Police Department (KPD)/ the Pasco Police Department (PPD) for citation or arrest.
Animals: Your pet depends on you for proper care. Please don’t let him or her down!
We believe it’s best to leave your pets at home when going to outdoor summer festivals or parties. Large crowds, combined with the heat can be overwhelming and it increases the chances of injury, dehydration and exhaustion.
When attending the Tri-City Water Follies, please make plans to leave your pets/critters at home. There is no pet-sitter service in Columbia Park or Wade Park. Patrons with pets/critters will not be allowed access to the event or entrance into parking areas.
This prohibition does not apply to service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and clearly marked as such.
ATM Location: ATM’s are located near the Will-Call trailer, on the Boardwalk, the Beer Garden (next to the golf course), and also in the ticket trailer in the main general parking lot, Columbia Park.
Autograph Session: Meet the Hydroplane drivers at the Stage in the west end of Columbia Park -Saturday, July 30 at 12:00 noon during the autograph session.
Beer Garden: The Beer Garden is operated by CG Public House Catering: The Beer Garden, Lagoon Saloon in Columbia Park and Margarita Village in Wade Park will operate on the following schedule:
Friday: noon – 4:30 p.m. (Margarita Village is closed Friday)
Saturday 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m.- 4:30p.m.
The Lagoon Saloon is located just east of the Columbia Park Golf Course driving range in Kennewick. Margarita Village is located west of Rd. 46 access path in Wade Park. No one under 21 is allowed in the beer gardens.
Binoculars: Guests are welcome to bring in their personal binoculars. The Tri-City Water Follies does not rent or sell Binoculars.
Business Hours: The Tri-City Water Follies business office is open 9a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday and can be reached at (PH) 509-783-4675 (Fax) 509-388-0191 (E-mail) info@waterfollies.com (Website) www.waterfollies.com
The Water Follies Office will close July 27 and relocate to the Will-Call Office in Columbia Park.
Code of Conduct: The Tri-City Water Follies is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable entertainment experience. Guests have a right to expect an environment where:
- Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all personnel.
- Guests will enjoy every event free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language, or obscene gestures.
- Guests will consume alcohol beverages in a responsible manner. Intervention with an intoxicated, impaired or underage guest will be handled in a prompt, safe and timely manner.
- Guests will comply with requests from event staff regarding general event operations and emergency response activities.
- Event staff has been trained to intervene when deemed necessary, and to use their best discretion to help ensure that the guests who ignore the Code of Conduct do not interfere with other guests’ right to enjoy the event. Guests who violate the Code of Conduct may be subject to arrest by the Kennewick Police Department (KPD) or Pasco Police Department (PPD). The Tri-City Water Follies and staff thank you for your cooperation.
Concessions: Several on-site vendors offer a wide variety of food and beverage items for our guests’ enjoyment. Concession areas include the Boardwalk, just west of the pits and the Driving Range, north side of the Columbia park golf course driving range in Kennewick. Pasco Concession location is west the Rd. 46 access path.
Contact: The Tri-City Water Follies event staff welcomes all feedback, questions, and concerns from our guests. To contact us Monday thru Friday 9am to 5pm call 509-783-4675. (E-mail) info@waterfollies.com
Note: The Tri-City Water Follies office is closed beginning Wednesday July 27 – Monday August 1. Questions comments and concerns during the event weekend should be handled through the Will Call office or Pit office.
Directions: Kennewick: Columbia Park: entrance at highway 240 or Fruitland St. Early entrance can be used at Hartford St; Pasco General admission parking: Limited parking is available at Rd 54. Look for official Water Follies parking signs off of Sylvester Street. All other parking offered in Pasco is on private property. This parking is not affiliated with the Tri-City Water Follies and parking rates for these areas are at the discretion of the property owner.
From I-82 East: Take Exit 9 (Rd 68). Turn right onto Rd 68. Turn left onto W. Court St. Turn right onto Rd 54.
From I-82 West: Take Exit 12 A to merge onto US-395 S toward Kennewick/Pendleton. Take the Court St exit. Turn right onto W. Court St. Turn left onto Rd. 54.
Disturbances: All Guests must maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times. Guests using offensive language or engaging in disorderly conduct may be ejected from the event area and may be subject to arrest by the Kennewick Police Department (KPD) / Pasco Police Department (PPD). Ejected Guests will not receive a refund for their tickets or be compensated in any way for their loss.
Drones: – See Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Entry Inspections: All Guests entering the event are subject to a visual inspection, and a bag inspection conducted by the Tri-City Water Follies security personnel. The purpose of the inspection is to detect prohibited items. Any alcohol, illegal drugs/paraphernalia weapons, will be confiscated, guest will be denied entry to the Tri-City Water Follies, and the Kennewick Police Department(KPD)/Pasco Police Department (PPD) will be notified. Pets are not allowed (please see “Animals”).
Exhibitors: All spaces are sold in 10’ x 10’ lots. Booths that exceed 10’ x 10’are required to purchase additional space. Please communicate any special needs, concerns, generator size, etc. early, so staff can plan accordingly.
Hookups to electricity are not available, however generators are allowed. Generators that are 5KW or greater and propane must be permitted and grounded. Permits and on-site support are available from Sierra Electric, 509-542-8682 and Allan Electric, 509-582-6770. All booths must comply with electrical inspection guidelines of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and city fire codes. The Tri-City Water Follies is not responsible for fees associated with permitting and grounding.
First Aid: Two First Aid Stations staffed by Trios Heath Care volunteers are available in Columbia Park. A First Aid station is located at the entrance to the pits and a First Aid station is located across from the Official Barge/ Starting Line/west of the Columbia Park Golf Course Club House.
Pasco First Aid is staffed by Lourdes Medical Center and Kadlec Medical Center volunteers, and is located at the Rd 40 access path.
Food and Beverage: Guests may bring food and or beverage items into the event. Alcohol and glass bottles/cups are prohibited.
Golf Carts: Golf carts must be pre-approved for use by the Tri-City Water Follies Association (call the Tri-City Water Follies office for details).
Guest Services: Our event Will Call Trailer is located near the corner of the second roundabout past the main entrance. The Tri-City Water Follies event staff welcomes guest to visit for information, questions, concerns, issues and it is also used as a lost and found during the Tri-City Water Follies event.
Hotels: For hotel, travel/transportation or other information please contact Visit Tri Cities at (509) 735-8486.
Intoxicated Guests: The Tri-City Water Follies reserves the right to deny entry to intoxicated guests. Any intoxicated guests causing a disturbance during an event will be asked to leave and may be subject to arrest by the Kennewick Police Department (KPD)/ Pasco Police Department (PPD).
Kids Zone: The Tri-City Water Follies Kid’s Zone is adjacent to the roundabout at the end of the main entrance to Columbia Park. Kids Zone policy requires all kids be accompanied by an adult. Conversely, no adults are allowed in the Kids Zone without kids.
Lost and Found: The Tri-City Water Follies staff assumes no responsibility for items left/ lost at events. All items recovered during the event are taken to the Will Call trailer located on the second roundabout past the main entrance to the park. Please contact the Tri-City Water Follies business office at 509-783-4675, 9a.m.-5p.m., Monday thru Friday, to inquire about lost items not recovered during the event. All remaining items will be donated to charity after 30 days.
Merchandise: The Tri-City Water Follies offers souvenir Programs, Booster Button, T-Shirt, Baseball Cap and Challenge Coin. These items can be purchased through the office or at the event.
Opening/Closing: Gates open 8a.m. to 5p.m. Friday – Saturday and 7:30a.m. Sunday morning.
Outside Vending: Outside (non-registered) vending is prohibited on, or around the premises, including all parking lots. No solicitation activities allowed in the parking lots (e.g. distribution of flyers, sale of products, advertising sale of vehicle, etc.)
Parking: parking passes can be purchased at the Tri-City Water Follies office prior to the event, or at the entrance gate. No consumption of alcoholic beverages in parked vehicles. No tailgating allowed in parking lots.
Parking Admission:
General Parking: Friday $5.00
General Parking Saturday $10.00
General Parking: Sunday. $10.00
General parking in Pasco: Limited parking is available. Look for official Water Follies parking signs off of Sylvester Street. All other parking offered in Pasco is on private property. This parking is not affiliated with the Tri-City Water Follies and parking rates for these areas are at the discretion of the property owner. (Please see Pasco General Admission Parking.)
Oversized Vehicles : Oversized Vehicle parking is not available.
Permitted Items: Coolers (subject to search), lawn chairs, blankets, tarps, and umbrellas.
Pit Hospitality: This is the area from the front of the hydroplane team haulers (trucks) to the crowd control barriers in front of the cranes. Pit tours will be conducted in this area.
Hot Pits: This is the area from the crowd control barriers in front of the cranes to the docks. Only authorized personnel are allowed in Hot Pits.
Pit Rules: Open-toe shoes are not allowed in the Hot Pits. No Smoking or open flame is permitted in the Cold or Hot Pit area from the front of the boat haulers (Trucks) to the docks. Smoking is permitted in the Pit Hospitality area only. Backpacks are allowed, but are subject to search. Alcohol is not permitted in the pits while the pits are open. No bikes, skateboards or pets (see “Animals”) allowed in the pit area. Children under 18 must be with an adult in the Hot Pits, and children under 14 must be with an adult in the Cold Pits.
Phones: There is a phone in the Pit office and Will–Call Trailer. There are no public phones in the park.
Prohibited Items: Prohibited items include but are not limited to: weapons, alcohol, marijuana – Including but not limited to marijuana or its constituent components such as THC, illegal drugs, noise makers, P.A. systems or karaoke machines, fireworks, skateboards, drones, remote controlled model aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, glass cups or bottles, and squirt guns. Mister bottles (that have fans attached) and drinking bottles are allowed, though if used inappropriately will be confiscated. No scaffolding, scissor lifts, man lifts, pets, bicycles, or scooters or any kind are allowed.
Radio Controlled Model Aircraft: – See Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Restrooms: Restroom facilities are located throughout the park during the event for our guests.
Signs/Flags/Banners/Posters/Pamphlets: The Tri-City Water Follies reserves the right to approve/reject signs, flags, banners, and/or posters outside of sponsors or performers displays.
Guests are not allowed to hand out pamphlets, advertisement brochures, etc. to other guests while at the event, without prior approval from the Tri-City Water Follies.
Special Needs Viewing: The Special Needs Area is located next to the bleachers in Columbia Park. The area is available for a special needs guest who requires extraordinary care to enjoy a day at the races. One caregiver is allowed per guest. General admission passes are required for entry. Sunrise Rotary will be hosting the area providing volunteers to assist our guests. The area includes shade and misters for comfort; chairs, tables and water. Tri-City Water Follies has designated handicap parking; use the main Highway 240 entrance into the main lot in Kennewick. Golf cart shuttles from the parking lot to the viewing area are available, and Ben Franklin Transit offers service for pre-qualified Dial-A-Ride patrons.
Sponsorship Opportunity: Over 70,000 fans attend the Tri-City Water Follies annually. Many more watched the action live on KNDU Television and covered live on the web.
Support this community tradition while receiving advertising exposure, tickets and recognition. A variety of sponsorship packages are available to choose from; each offers various promotional and hospitality opportunities for businesses at the same time provide support to the Tri-CityWater Follies.
Tailgating: Tailgating is prohibited at all Tri-City Water Follies parking lots.
Tents and Tarps: Pasco – Wade Park: Tri-City Water Follies does not allow tents and tarps left out over night during the event weekend. You may bring in your tents and tarps for the day but they must be removed at the end of the day. Tri-City Water Follies is not responsible for damage or loss of property if tents or tarps are left over night. While tents and tarps are used for the weekend they must not block the view of the river.
Kennewick – Columbia Park: Set-up in Columbia Park may not begin before 6:00pm, Thursday, on race week. The Tri-City Water Follies will clearly mark pathways to the river and approved areas for tents/pop-ups . Set-up is not allowed within these paths or some shoreline areas. Tri-City Water Follies is not responsible for damage or loss of property if tents or tarps are left over night. While tents and tarps are used for the weekend they must not block the view of the river
Tickets: Available at the Tri-City Water Follies office; general admission passes available at area Albertsons. Telephone orders are gladly taken.
Tours: Pit tours are available to all people wearing a booster button. The buttons may be purchased in the park for $5. Tours are available Friday (12-5) and Saturday (9-4).
Tri-City Water Follies Hosted Areas: Enjoy Water Follies weekend from one of our premium viewing areas. Go to www.waterfollies.com for additional information or phone the Tri-City Water Follies office 509-783-4675.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: – Safety is paramount. For this reason, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’S) are not allowed within the event venue. UAV’S will be confiscated. Please read the Tri-Cities Water Follies Drone Policy document for more details.
Weapons Prohibited: Guests are prohibited from bringing weapons into the event venue. Weapons include, but are not limited to, the following: firearms, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, pepper spray, tear gas, knives, etc. Guests found in possession with the above-mentioned items will be asked to remove the item/items from the event or dispose of it. Guests who refuse to comply will be ejected from the event without a refund or compensation and may be subject to arrest by the Kennewick Police Department (KPD).
Will Call: “Will-Call” tickets can be picked up during office hours; Thursday Noon-5p.m, Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. -1 p.m. Tickets will be released to ONLY the individual whose name appears on the ticket purchase. Please have ID available for the ticket volunteer.
Address Event: Kennewick: 5111 Columbia Park Trail Kennewick, WA 99336. Pasco: 601 Rd. 54 Pasco, WA 99301
