HYDROS: Don't complain, moochers
Being a Cd’A kid during the ‘60s, I fondly remember the Diamond Cup races and often wished we could see them again. As an adult I weighed the logistics of having them return and must admit I was skeptical. After a great weekend I am pleased that it put that little kid smile back on my face.
A big High-5 to Doug Miller and every person involved over 4-5 years getting to this point. That’s a big list that goes back to 2010 when lake conditions prevented the much-anticipated exhibition runs and includes volunteers, law enforcement and emergency services, the vintage hydro community, sponsors and donors, the H-1 hydro teams and organizers, officials from other races and of course all those who bought tickets.
On Saturday we walked from end to end, checking out the boats, watching the races from various locations, seeing old friends, meeting new friends and enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere all along the way. Even the mass transportation was better than I’d imagined. For a first year effort I was impressed.
Sunday we were on a boat boomed on the lake, a first for me. Watching the boats bounce their way out of the corner and onto the back stretch was exciting and the roar from the turbines, big V-12s and blown V-8s, were music to my ears. The boom was a great location and we all agreed to return next year.
And that brings me to a big “booooo” to Jim Ummel’s 9/4 letter. Jim, I’ve known you for many years but I’ve never known you to be a big freeloader. Crying that officials kept pushing you back 1,000 feet also admits that you were nothing more than a kid sticking his head under the circus tent for a free show. Sure, you want to see the races but you don’t want to buy a ticket like everyone else who actually supported the Diamond Cup. You must have been one of the many, many boats who lurked until a race started then all jammed in as close as you could get. A couple times we wondered if some jackwagon was going to run into us.
Jim, your “in it for profit” letter is embarrassing to yourself. Suggesting this is run by people looking to make a quick buck is the most nearsighted thing I’ve ever heard from you. Do you also sneak into concerts, movies or the Fair? You know as well as I that events don’t happen on their own. It takes sponsorship and ticket sales to make anything work, and the bigger the event the more it takes. It’s a big lake, go enjoy it away from the races if you don’t want to buy a ticket. But don’t whine while you enjoyed the Diamond Cup at someone else’s expense. And that goes for all you other moochers out there. Next year buy a ticket and join the party.
DAVE WALKER
Coeur d’Alene