Come on, Tri-Cities. Show some pride and save our community events | Editorial

Not one — but two — longtime Tri-City traditions are in trouble, and we are concerned about what this could mean for the community.

Early last week, it was reported that the River of Fire fireworks show at Columbia Park is in need of a new organizing sponsor. Days later, leaders of the Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire said they were canceling this year’s festival.

The announcements came like a double stab to our civic heart.

Community events matter.

They bring people together, giving them a chance to step out of their isolation and share a common experience with neighbors.

So even if you typically go to bed before the fireworks start on the Fourth of July, or you never have attended the Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire, be glad these events are available for those who do enjoy them.

Thankfully, rescue attempts are underway for both beloved events.

Chances look good for the fireworks show. Kennewick city leaders are in talks with the Three Rivers Carousel Foundation, which is interested in taking it over. We are relieved this is a solid possibility.

The Renaissance Faire’s predicament, however, is more precarious. Kennewick Mayor Pro Tem Steve Lee started a GoFundMe account to raise money, but it’s a long way from its goal.

It’s a noble effort that could ensure the medieval festival returns, even if it has to miss this upcoming season.

Faire organizers said attendance dropped since the event moved locations four years ago from Richland to Kennewick, and it lost money. And an agreement could not be reached this year with the city of Kennewick.

After a tragic accident in 2018, in which a tree branch killed a woman at the event in Columbia Park, the city is including a clause that would shut it down in bad weather. If that happened, the group wouldn’t be able to cover all its expenses.

Lee is trying to raise $40,000 so the Faire has enough money in reserves to continue. The event has been an annual activity in the Tri-Cities for 33 years, and Lee said it is a part of “our town’s story” and worth saving.

We agree.

On the fundraising page, Lee added that the Renaissance faire “draws people outside, and away from their screens. It even brings people in from other towns that have even less to do than us.”

It is easy to take activities around the Tri-Cities for granted, but we should remember events don’t happen by themselves. People make them happen.

Whether it is a musical or theatrical performance, a sporting event, a car show or major weekend attraction, they all require money and volunteers.

Unfortunately, it is often the same people doing the heavy lifting year after year. At some point, new energy is needed.

We think that time is now.

With a booming population, the Tri-Cities should be able to find a way to continue supporting events that have been part of our community for decades. It will be a shame if the Tri-Cities becomes so big we stop caring.

Lee made this point about the Renaissance Faire: “We have all heard or been the one to say, ‘There’s nothing to do in this town.’ This is literally something to do and we can probably save it. This is the chance for us to put our money where our mouth is (and) save an honest to goodness piece of our town’s culture.”

So come on.

Contribute your time or your money — or both — to these or other events and keep our civic pride alive.