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Spectators Enjoy Boat Races from the Other Side of the River



Story Published: Jul 27, 2008 at 9:10 AM PDT
By Rudabeh Shahbazi

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PASCO-- If you want to take in Water Follies without the hectic crowds, lack of parking and expense, try the Pasco side of the river for a more hospitable vantage point.

"It's comfortable over here," said Kathleen Thomassen, who made the trip from Seattle. "You're not crowded, you've got lots of room. The view is absolutely tremendous."

"It's more mellow, more relaxed," said Bryon Henninger, another spectator. "More family oriented."

With fewer people come the advantages of more space and easier parking. At least one private lot wasn't even close to full Saturday afternoon.

"It's been pretty slow today, but usually it goes pretty good," said Cory Turney, a Gonzaga student who works at the lot every year. "We make a lot of cash."

Turney expects Sunday to be more lucrative, when the boat races are in full swing.

Besides the convenience, for some, gathering on the Pasco side of the river is the only way they can enjoy the boat races and air show.

"Being able to watch them go down the river as fast as they do, is really amazing and it's really a thrill," said longtime Kennewick resident Bill Wilcoxson, who was a boat race chairman and rescuer for decades.

"Boat races bring back a lot of friendships," he said. "You don't see people very often, but everyone comes to the boat race."

You won't find Wilcoxson on the Kennewick side of the river anymore. His hydro hot spot is Debbie Luhrs' house party for Lou Gehrig's disease patients and their families. Wilcoxson is living with the disease.

"It's just to make this a really happy occasion for maybe people that wouldn't have gone to the Water Follies," said Luhrs. "They can still be part of it and see the air show."

http://www.keprtv.com/news/25948569.html