Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007

Water Follies board reorganizes, pledges to continue races

By the Herald staff

The Tri-City Water Follies Association announced today that a new executive board has been elected and that the unlimited hydroplane races will return this year to the Columbia River.

Kathy Balcom, president of the new executive board, said in a release that Kathy Powell has been hired as event director and will "carry out the program of work necessary to put on the 2007 race."

If the schedule fits tradition, the dates for the race will be July 27-29. However, no race dates were announced.

Other board members are Jim Chase, treasurer; Matt Watkins, secretary; Karen Miller, vice president; John Mostoller, race director; Mike Denslow, vice president; Paul Parish, vice president; Kevin Smith, vice president; Suz Levinskas, past president.

The future of the Water Follies was cast into question when the Maurer Group -- owned by Dan Ollero -- resigned the account last August.

Balcom said the board has spent the past five months "to determine the future of the annual event."

Kris Watkins, CEO and President of the Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau, was quoted in the release as saying, "Besides the $3 million tourism impact our community receives from hydro races, it remains an important piece of our Tri-City identity, and it would be a shame to give up on the event."

Balcom said HAPO Community Credit Union and King Beverage have renewed their sponsorship commitments. The Water Follies is also seeking donated office space for administration.

For more information, contact Powell at katpowell@verizon.net or at info@waterfollies.com. Balcom's contact information is 509-546-1096 and kbalcom8@charter.net.

Visit Hydroracing.com for more hydroplane racing coverage.