The Columbia and Snake rivers have shaped the Tri-Cities for generations, providing the water, transportation and clean, affordable energy that support local communities, agriculture and businesses. On Saturday, Oct. 3, the community is invited to celebrate those benefits during RiverFest Tri-Cities at Columbia Park in Kennewick.
RiverFest began in 2018 after a federal judge ruled that additional measures were needed to improve Northwest salmon populations, prompting a federal environmental review that included consideration of breaching the four lower Snake River dams. In response, the Pasco Chamber of Commerce and local electric utilities organized the “Save Our Snake River Dams” rally. The overwhelming community support inspired the chamber, along with area farmers, agricultural leaders, electric utilities, conservation districts and local businesses, to create RiverFest Tri-Cities.
The event highlights the many ways the Federal Columbia River Power System, including the four lower Snake River dams, supports everyday life throughout the Pacific Northwest. More than 75 vendors will showcase the importance of hydropower, irrigation, river navigation, recreation, and other industries will tell their stories of how they depend on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
“RiverFest is an opportunity to celebrate the rivers that have helped our region grow and prosper,” says Colin Hastings, executive director of the Pasco Chamber of Commerce. “Whether it's producing clean, reliable energy, supporting agriculture, environmentally consciously moving goods to market or creating places for families to enjoy the outdoors, the Columbia and Snake rivers are essential to our quality of life. RiverFest brings our community together to recognize those benefits and learn more about the future of these valuable resources.”
The event will feature educational exhibits, family-friendly activities and opportunities to connect with organizations that rely on the river system every day. Visitors can learn about hydropower, salmon recovery, irrigation, transportation, Native American cultures and the partnerships working to strengthen the Columbia Basin for future generations.
