Oh boy! Who doesn't appreciate free stuff?
Earlier this week, I knew the unlimited hydroplanes soon would be docking in Kennewick because the folks at the Oberto Sausage Company sent some samples to my attention.
(My thanks to Owen for introducing me to the Kent-based company's Eat Like An Alpha" campaign. Warning to readers: Turn down the volume on your computer before visiting that site.)
Freebies aren't as plentiful in the Neil F. Lampson Pits as when I started covering the boat races back in 1987. And this started before our 401k savings turned into 101k accounts.
I can't remember at time when there were not Oh Boy! Oberto folks walking through the pits with a smile on their face and giving away pouches of free meet. Thankfully, some things don't change as I saw the colorful Oberto Bug in the pits on Thursday.
However, there also used to be the days of free Pringles, nuts, caps, T-shirts, posters, bumper stickers, magnets, cheap sunglasses and trading cards. Heck, there were even celebratory cans of Budweiser after Bernie Little's boys won Columbia Cup. I can't recall if cigarettes or snuff were among the loot, but I can recall collectible team pins. Bud and Miller handed out nifty ink pens that hang around your neck. (I still use my Miller American pen on occasion).
Of course, you could count on the Miss Rock KISW bunch for a free freak show.
Several teams also used to produce their own media guides. This week, Herald sports editor Jeff Morrow and I also received our first and thus far only team media guide -- the defending champions U-1 Miss Madison/Oh Boy! Oberto. Thanks again to Owen.
Today, you don't have to go into to Columbia Park to score something free courtesy of the boat races. Water Follies sponsor ConAgra Lamb Weston has partnered with Tri-City area eateries such as Arby's, Burger King, Burger Ranch, Carl's Jr., Cousins, Dairy Queen and Ivar's to provide free french fries. They call it "Free Fries Fryday."
What free stuff did you glean via the Columbia Cup over the years?
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A couple of local athletes made a splash on the national stage, and all three Tri-Cities' sports franchises made a push for league championships. A few high school teams reached the pinnacle of their sport by winning state titles.
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Looking for something to do this week besides watch the baseball playoffs? Here’s a quick primer.
Tonight, take in either the West Valley at Hanford volleyball match (7 p.m., Hanford High), or the West Valley at Kamiakin girls soccer match (7 p.m., Lampson Stadium).
Both feature matchups between top teams in the CBBN 3A.
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