Fans react to Oberto-Ellstrom pairing at Water Follies

Water Follies crowds traditionally love to cheer on the Oberto boat — run by the Miss Madison racing team — as it zooms by.

There was something a little different this year.

“They’re actually rooting on Ellstrom racing,” said Kathy Powell, event director for Tri-Cities Water Follies.

Ellstrom racing and Miss Madison have had a longtime rivalry. Many fans like to play favorites, with the Oberto boat and its driver, Jimmy Shane, among the favorites for the past two years.

But it wasn’t Shane this time — Jean Theoret, an Ellstrom racer, stepped into the driver’s seat of the Oberto boat, with Shane driving a different Miss Madison boat sponsored by HomeStreet Bank.

Many fans dig that businessman Art Oberto put up the money to put his Oh Boy! Oberto brand on Ellstrom’s boat for two races in the Tri-Cities and Seattle.

“I like it,” said Bob Blevins of Kennewick. “I’m glad that they did that for the two races. I think that if you get a major sponsor like that for a couple of races, they’re going to bury the hatchet.”

Bob and Robin Lindsay of Lake Stevens have showed up at Water Follies for more than 40 years. They’ve seen many racers and sponsorships come and go, and have no qualms with the Oberto-Ellstrom alliance.

When it comes to the health of the sport, Bob Lindsay said it ultimately boils down to sponsorships.

“Rivalries were formed and friendships are made,” Lindsay said. “If Art (Oberto) wants to put money behind it ... I applaud him for it, I really do.”

Fewer sponsors are stepping forward, and it’s important for rivalries and partnerships to stir up conversations so the sport can thrive, Bob Lindsay said.

“I want to see the sport continue,” he said. “In the past decade it's lost sponsors and lost teams.”

Ultimately, he's going to root for Theoret because of the Oberto decision.

“(Oberto) could’ve said ‘no, I don’t want your name on my boat,” he said.

“It’s hard, though,” Robin Lindsay said of Theoret and Shane. "Either one of them could win. There’s always been rivalries."

Doug Lewin of Wenatchee said he’s still rooting for Oberto because he respects the teamwork and values of the organization.

“They’re a well-organized business and company,” Lewin said.

J. Michael Kelly ended up winning the Columbia Cup in a controversial finish involving a collision between Shane and Theoret.

That didn’t ruin Lewin’s day.

“I really don’t care who wins, so long as nobody gets hurt,” he said.

Safety reports for the weekend

Kennewick police Sgt. Ken Lattin reported a quiet weekend, with very few incidents.

At 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jessee Stiles, 25, of Richland, was arrested on charges of obstructing an investigation and resisting arrest when he tried to enter Water Follies without a pass.

He also became ill-tempered with officers. Police found a gun after he was arrested, Lattin said.

“There are signs everywhere that say no guns, no weapons,” Lattin said.

Paramedics at the Trios Health tent saw no major incidents. A few patrons suffered minor bruises or cuts when swimming in the water.

They went through 40 bags of ice and more than 100 gallons of water through the weekend, said paramedic Anthony Vining.

“If you break it out over three days, that’s a lot,” he said.

This story was originally published July 31, 2016 at 7:45 PM with the headline "Fans react to Oberto-Ellstrom pairing at Water Follies."