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View Full Version : Bradenton Area River Regatta schedule and map, Feb 7, 2015



Serious News
02-04-2016, 12:49 AM
Last year’s inaugural Bradenton Area River Regatta — boat races, bands and fireworks all at no charge — has been heralded by organizers as the largest spectator event in Manatee County history. The regatta returns to Manatee River and the banks of Bradenton and Palmetto on Saturday. The free fun centers on viewing the Powerboat Superleague Racing and HydroCross Jet Ski racing as well as the Zambelli Fireworks company’s explosions in the sky, which were also a huge hit last year.

“The River Regatta on the mile-wide Manatee River between the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto is expected to exceed even our first annual event that drew more than 80,000 spectators from all over Florida, the United States and the world,” said Bradenton mayor Wayne Poston in a statement. “The word is out on what a wonderful family-friendly event the River Regatta was, and the event will feature more events, including a Christian concert in Palmetto, and more viewing stands on both sides of the river."

Bradenton Riverwalk festivities include a Frisbee dog show, BMX stunt show, a family fun zone, a food festival row and an art gallery row with Beatles tribute band Beatlemanina performing at 4:30 p.m. This year’s event will also have an increased presence in Palmetto.

“Palmetto is excited to again be a co-host city for the Bradenton Area River Regatta,” said Palmetto mayor Shirley Bryant in a statement. “This year’s event will bring more activity to both sides of the beautiful Manatee River. We are very pleased that popular Christian singer Brandon Heath will be performing right on Palmetto’s Riverside Drive where you will also find the racing pits and the kids’ zone. Regatta guests will be afforded more diverse means of transportation so that they can enjoy entertainment on both shores of the Manatee River.”

Palmetto festivities include HydroCross demos on the fishing pier with XPogo stunt shows, family fun zone, art gallery row and food festival row on the Green Bridge. Contemporary Christian musician Heath is the headliner of the Regatta Pointe concerts in Palmetto and will perform at 4:30 p.m.

The Bradenton Area River Regatta is again alcohol-free but with a slight exception this year. Palmetto has granted The Hernando de Soto Historical Society permission to operate a fenced-in beer garden off festival grounds at the north base of the Green Bridge where people can purchase Anheuser-Busch products. Also on the Palmetto side attendees will find food and libations nearby at Riverhouse Reef & Grill (995 Riverside Drive).

In Bradenton, attendees seeking a beer, cocktail or additional food options will want to stop by YachtSea Grille (101 Riverfront Blvd.) or go next door to the Marriott Courtyard (100 Riverfront Blvd.). Both the restaurant and hotel are located right on the Riverwalk. Also, there’s the nearby Pier 22 (1200 First Ave.) and Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar (801 Riverside Drive East), plus all the bars and restaurants along Old Main Street, which begins south of Pier 22, near the west entrance to Riverwalk.

Here’s the complete schedule for Saturday.

EARLY MORNING ACTIVITIES 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
DeSoto Pee Wee Fishing Tournament and St. Stephen’s/Boys’ and Girls’ Club 5k Run

BRADENTON RIVERWALK FESTIVITIES: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Main Lawn
World Champion K-9 Crew Frisbee Dogs Show
Family Fun Zone- Bright House/Pittsburgh Pirates

Amphitheater
World Champion BMX Chris Clark Stunt Show

Behind Riverwalk Tower
Food Festival Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association

Along Riverwalk
Art Gallery Row- Manatee County Arts Center

Riverwalk Concerts: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Headliner -- 4:30 p.m. Beatlemania Now

MANATEE RIVER FESTIVITIES: 10 a.m. to 4:35 p.m.
10-11 a.m. Formula 2 PowerBoat Qualifying
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Formula 2 PowerBoat Division 2 Races
12:30-2 p.m. HydroCross Qualifying (Mayor’s Cup)
2-4:15 p.m. — PowerBoat Division 1 Races
6:45 p.m. Zambelli Fireworks Spectacular
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Main Street Bradenton Award

PALMETTO FESTIVITIES: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Palmetto Fishing Pier: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HydroCross Demos/Stunts/Races (Florida Winter Championship)
World Records and Fly Boards
Riverside Avenue Launching: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PowerBoat “Dry Pit”

West Side Green Bridge
XPOGO Stunt Shows

Bright House/Pittsburgh Pirates Family Fun Zone
Art Gallery Row

Food Festival Row
Regatta Pointe Concerts: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Headliner -- 4:30 p.m. Brandon Heath

http://ticket.heraldtribune.com/2016/02/03/bradenton-area-river-regatta-schedule-and-map/

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