More Water Follies Fans Flock to Pasco Side

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By Chelsea Kopta

Summary

Whether it's the noise on the river or the noise overhead, you know it's time for boat races. And this year, KEPR Action News discovered business is booming on the Pasco side of the river.

Story Published: Jul 23, 2010 at 5:58 PM PST

PASCO, Wash. -- This is far from the first year Darryl Jones and his family camped out for Water Follies. But it is the first time they've felt pressured to stake out a spot early. Over the last few years, the Water Follies Association said more and more people are flocking to Pasco to watch the Follies.

"We have noticed more the last few years, definitely," Jones said.

And he's not the only one.

"We used to come out on Fridays and now we come out on Wednesday evenings," Kelley Oman said

Water Follies Pasco Operation's Chairman, Chuck Keltch, said that tents are often three or four rows deep now, rather than just a single row of tents lining the shoreline.

"I think more people are rediscovering the Pasco side," Keltch said.

Boat race regulars told Action News they're all drawn by the same things: grassy open space, easy access to the river and a family friendly environment. Don't get these folks wrong. They still like to party and there is a beer garden, but they argue, the crowd is a little more mature.

"It's more family oriented, it's just a lot more fun," Oman said. "There's no naked people running around, jumping from the rafters."

The event sold twice as many general admission tickets this year over last, which includes seats on the Pasco side. Sales of corporate tents are actually down and a couple spots went unsold in Pasco this year. Water Follies reps said this is the first year they have not sold out those tents before the first day.