The Allegorical Wedding of the Rivers
Kennewick and Pasco prepare for a festival celebrating the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers, framed with a sharp local wit.
Commenting upon the wedding of the Columbia and Snake rivers which Kennewick and Pasco plan to solemnize May 4, Prof. W. D. Lyman writes: 'It may be conceded that while the majestic, blue-lined river from the north is a most suitable bridegroom, the Snake is a pretty strenuous and rather unruly bride, and in fact in the high water of May 4, we shall see a sharp line of division between the turbid southern and pure northern partners to the marriage, for not until they have been tossed to and fro by the wild rapids of Umatilla do they become entirely commingled. But we will trust our Pasco and Kennewick officials to tie the wedding knot good and strong—peace and joy to the wedding feast.' The facts which Prof. Lyman recite only render the allegorical wedding all the more true to life. It is usually a darned sight longer trip down stream than to the Umatilla rapids before an unruly and high-strung bride is brought into complete submission.
“It is usually a darned sight longer trip down stream than to the Umatilla rapids before an unruly and high-strung bride is brought into complete submission.”
The celebration of the 'confluence' was a common booster strategy in the Pacific Northwest to unify competitive river towns like Pasco and Kennewick, though the editorial commentary reveals a rather archaic and patronizing view of 'unruly' brides.
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