Kenmore invites locals to get ready to hear the nostalgic sounds of hydroplanes on the Sammamish River.
192 Brewing Company and the Seattle Outboard Association will present the fifth Annual Kenmore Hydroplane Cup on April 7. The opening ceremonies start at 10 a.m. with races taking place between 12 and 4 p.m.
The two- and three- cylinder outboards will leave the Kenmore Boat Launch, 17150 68th Ave. NE, for a timed exhibition race at the entrance to the river. Kenmore native Kay Myers Brewer will be announcing the river race along with Jim Olsen. Drivers will individually race upriver past the Boat Launch, Squire’s Landing Park, around the bend to Kenmore city limits, and return back to the Kenmore Boat Launch. The best viewing areas will be on the Sammamish River Bridge multi-use path and at Squire’s Landing Park, 7353 NE 175th St. Admission is free for the event.
The Vintage Inboards will be doing a show and shine at the Kenmore Boat Launch, so be sure to bring a camera.
On April 6, the community is invited to the Fifth Annual Hydro Happy Hour at the 192 Brewing Company, 7324 NE 175th St. to meet drivers past and present and view the hydroplanes on display.
This historic event brought the community to the banks of the Sammamish River between the years 1938 and 1976. The event idea was reintroduced to the community after local artist Amberly “Gaul” Culley organized the Sammamish Slough race exhibit at Kenmore City Hall in 2013.
This year, locals are invited to witness history in the making.