The eighth annual Bradenton Area River Regatta returns to the Manatee Riverfront next weekend, February 11. An exhilarating event, packed with excitement and festival goodies like live music, food, and the event's first-ever light show.
Fueled by the fastest inland boats on the water and the largest tunnel boat race on tour—Powerboat Superleague Formula 2—energizing the surf at speeds over 120 mph. And, to make sure you get all the speed you need, a second powerboat class, SST-45, often called "Formula Lights," returns to rumble on the river—small, fast and darting with razor-sharp precision.
The annual event draws crowds of nearly 100,000 spectators and adrenaline junkies, as each year organizers bring race fans something new.
Watch as world fly-boarding Champion Kristen Smoyer sores 80 feet into the air on an elevator of water in a somersaulting sequence of acrobatic moves. Then marvel at all the fun four-legs can conjure up in the Frisbee® flying, canine trick antics of Team Zoom and Daredevil Dogs. Plus, there will be kids zones on both shores of the river and enough food and drinks to satisfy appetites large and small.
The event will feature live music performances from two stages on each side of the river. From Bradenton, the event will feature performances by the ultimate ‘80s era-rock tribute band, Lazy Bonez, as well as a performance by the band Moonflower, covering the music of Santana. Andy Pursell will headline on the Palmetto side of the river with southern rock band Soul Circus Cowboys.
In a first-ever for the Regatta, stay until nightfall for an after-dark spectacular, as the skies become illuminated with a world-class drone show from the drone light show company Sky Elements. Your eyes won’t believe the artistry, beauty and wizardry only drones can deliver! The light show begins at 7 pm.
This family-friendly event is admission-free, Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, at Bradenton Riverwalk park and both sides of the Green Bridge. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss the action.
**From The Bradenton Times
**From The Bradenton Times
