Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Webb’s Slough at St. John will launch its eighth season of sprint boat races Saturday with a return of the thunder boats and some new features for the big event.
Amanda Webb reported this week they finished cutting hay from the slough camping area and are ready to greet the boat racers, campers, volunteers and race fans.
The St. Johh races Saturday will be the first event on the American Sprint Boat Racing schedule, Webb said.
She added they expect some rookies to be in the action Saturday with a lot of crews putting in hours over the winter to get their boats ready.
The Slough races normally bring in 25 to 30 boats to compete in the three classifications.
Gates at the slough will open at 9 a.m with the racing to start at 10 a.m. The racing format will include four timed qualifying runs in the three classes with entry in the elimination rounds going to the eight fastest boats in each class.
Webb said the grounds are in golf course shape with a boost from this week’s rains. They are counting on weather predictions for a sunny weekend to boost the event.
Action will still start with a downtown show & shine for the boats and crews starting Friday at 5 p.m. The event will include a shuttle service for fans who park campers at the slough and want to catch a ride to the downtown event.
A variety of vendors will be on the scene and Inland Helicopter will again offer rides to fans who want to get a bird’s eye view of the slough event.
Webb said an addition to the program this year will be a post-race concert on a stage in front of the race spectator terraces. The concert will feature Stompin’ Ground, a rock and country band from the Tri-Cities who will play starting at 7 p.m. Saturday. The concert extends the race day for campers with other fans also encouraged to attend.
The second stop for the sprint boats at the slough has been scheduled for Aug. 23.
Webb said they have also scheduled a mud race event Sept. 6 in conjunction with local U.S. Marines units to benefit injured veterans residing in this area.
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