Richland, West Richland host summer car and motorcycle events this week

You know it's summer when the motorcycles and collectible cars are out sparkling in the Tri-City sunshine.

This year, the West Richland Chamber of Commerce is organizing both the 19th annual Hogs & Dogs event, and the 26th annual Cool Desert Nights.

"I've never seen a region come together as a whole like they have with the West Richland Chamber taking over Cool Desert Nights, and merging it with Hogs and Dogs," said May Hayes, Executive Director of the West Richland Chamber. "We started meeting with the City of Richland back in February. They have been the best supporters, along with the Port of Benton. We get a lot of support, but it's nice to see all the cities working together."

This is the first year the the West Richland Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead on organizing Cool Desert Nights when there was concern that the annual car show event would not return.

Hogs & Dogs takes place Thursday night in West Richland, and Cool Desert Nights kicks off Thursday evening in Richland, with additional events scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Hear May's full conversation with Jenna Kochenauer and Michael McDonnal on the Tri-Cities Morning News: