Diamond Cup races officially cancelled

The organizers of the planned Diamond Cup hydroplane races on Lake Coeur d’Alene “reluctantly” announced the cancellation of this year’s event Friday. The races were scheduled for Aug. 29-31. The races appeared unlikely to happen this year when Kootenai County Sheriff Ben Wolfinger announced on July 1 that he was denying the critical water event permit because organizers failed to complete several requirements in time, including obtaining insurance, signing service contracts and securing other needed permits. A news release from Diamond Cup Unlimited announcing the cancellation was pointed in its criticism of Wolfinger, referring to his “obdurate refusal” to accept a new application for a water event permit. The Diamond Cup returned in 2013 for the first time since 1968. The event lost money and several organizations that provided services, including Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, were left unpaid. Tickets for the event were being sold through TicketsWest. Those who purchased tickets can request a refund from TicketsWest or Diamond Cup Unlimited.