Rain shouldn't cancel DeSoto Seafood Festival in Palmetto

BRADENTON -- Rain has already canceled one event in Bradenton this evening, but DeSoto Seafood Festival organizers are optimistic the show will go on.

Realize Bradenton has already canceled its Music in the Park event, according to its Facebook page.

"It looks like the weather is not going to cooperate with us," the post reads.

But for DeSoto Seafood Festival, which begins at 5 p.m. Friday in Palmetto's Sutton Park, the rain has not canceled the festivities.

"Looking at the current forecast, we are very optimistic that we will get our shows in tonight," DeSoto Historical Society executive director Ray Niecestro said.

In Manatee County, the rain should start to cease by midnight, according to Robert Garcia with the National Weather Service.

"What you are getting now is the worse," Garcia said at 2:30 p.m. Friday. "There is a good chance of the rain lightening up in a few hours so hopefully that will allow them to have a decent Friday night."

Big Daddy is expected to take the stage at 5 p.m., followed by Highway to Hell at 6:30 p.m. and Foghat at 8:30 p.m.

"The determination of the stage will be up to the band manager," Niecestro said, adding that umbrellas are allowed.

The festival's Facebook page will be updated throughout the entire weekend, Niecestro said.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024 or at caronson@bradenton.com. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published March 27, 2015 at 2:56 PM with the headline "Rain shouldn't cancel DeSoto Seafood Festival in Palmetto."