Manatee County Prepares for 4th Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta

It’s not often that two cities are able to collaborate on a regionally popular event, let alone one. For those in civil service jobs or those donating their time and talents to various charitable causes, the red tape encountered trying to arrange a large event can be daunting. The 4th Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta will take place on February 3rd, and make no mistake, this year’s festival promises to be a shining example of how Palmetto and Bradenton are harmoniously capitalizing on anticipated crowds nearing 100,000.

What will be in store for guests attending Manatee County’s largest yearly event? Formula 2 Powerboat Races will showcase the scenic attributes of life along the Manatee River, and what a great body of water to race on. It’s not just the main event that will be providing the day’s action; warm-ups and qualifying heats will get the crowd sufficiently geared up throughout the day. Jet Ski demonstrations and stunts will appease the thrill seekers and Flyboarders attempting to break speed records will have you on the edge of your beach chair. Prepare to be impressed as Kristen, “The Destroyer” Moyer, shows us what’s new and exciting in the world of Hydroflight. It is such an action-packed day on the water, there wouldn’t be much need for any other forms of entertainment but wait! Look over there, it’s a plane or a bird or maybe it’s a 100-foot illuminated Ferris wheel.

One of the festival’s newest and coolest components is going to be a giant Ferris wheel, ready to give riders epic views of the Bradenton-Palmetto area. What an old-timey, fun addition to this year’s happenings. The weather is anticipated to be Chamber of Commerce perfect so grab your guy or girl and take a twirl on a nostalgic Ferris wheel. Situated on the Palmetto side, this Ferris wheel has been a part of every major attraction in the United States for the past year. Generally, they will only agree to set up at events that are three days or longer, but made an exception to their rule for the upcoming regatta. A new sound company will be in place this year as well, and is the same group that took care of the sound systems at Nathan Benderson Park for the World Rowing Events.

As far as musical draws, this year’s lineup is a fun homage to some of yesterday’s lyrical giants. Rock and Roll legends, Three Dog Night, provided the love song backdrop throughout the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. From “One” to “Joy to the World,” the hits are memorable. Chuck Negron, a founding member of Three Dog Night will be taking the Bradenton Main Stage at the River Regatta on Feb 3 at 5:15 P.M. Other notable acts at this year’s festivities include Tim McGraw tribute artist, Adam D. Tucker, Let’s Groove Tonight, the ultimate Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band, and Bradenton’s own Sam Woolf, an American Idol finalist. Fan Favorite, Billy Rice Band will be one of the many acts performing on the Palmetto Main Stage.

The day’s festivities will end with the skies above Manatee County lighting up with a Zambelli Fireworks Spectacular. Since 1893, Zambelli has been the premiere name associated with fireworks. Multiple firing points, including one at the Green Bridge, will provide a rainbow illumination with thousands of lights sparkling over the Manatee River. This year’s Bradenton Area River Regatta promises to be yet another exciting and family-friendly event. With all events being free, this is a fantastic day to bring your chairs and sunscreen and bask in the growing popularity of Manatee County. What a fun day to share with your friends and neighbors, celebrating the water wonderland we are so fortunate to call home. This will be an adrenaline filled, exciting day in the Bradenton-Palmetto area.

For more information on the day’s events, please visit https://bradentonarearegatta.com.

Photos courtesy of Bradenton Area River Regatta Facebook page. 

 

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