As Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta nears, planning continues

BRADENTON -- From enlisting an affordable water-taxi service to adding the DeSoto Historical Society Kids Fishing Tournament to an already packed schedule, organizers say they are ready for the Feb. 7 inaugural Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta event -- predicted to be the largest free public event in the area's entertainment history.

But there is more to do.

Organizers are bracing for a massive influx of people into Bradenton and Palmetto, and they're trying to ensure not only that the regatta is successful, but that it becomes an annual event. The way to make that happen: Make sure no detail is left uncovered.

"From 7 a.m. up until midnight, we will be working to resolve issues leading up to the day of the event," said Bradenton Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Dave Gustafson. "Every time we turn around the phone is ringing with someone else in the community that wants to be involved. Everybody is excited. They believe in what we are doing and want to be a part of it."

Gustafson hinted at more activities being planned for the Palmetto side of the Manatee River, but said those details continue to be worked

out.

In the meantime, details are emerging for an event officials predict will draw 75,000-100,000 people.

Parking is one of the biggest challenges, with only about 8,000 spaces laid out in Bradenton and another 2,000 in Palmetto that are labeled as available for the regatta. Organizers say those are within 15 minutes of the regatta's venue.

Parking maps are available at bradentonarearegatta.com, but visitors may have a hard time distinguishing between regatta-related parking lots and those not open to the public. Gustafson said the parking issues will be worked on all week, and updates to the parking maps can be expected.

The Florida Restaurant Lodging Association is handling the food vendors. There will be 12 local restaurants offering food, another four non-alcoholic beverage-only stations, and two vendors selling fair-style snacks. The FRLA has ordered enough food to feed 75,000 people, and Gustafson said more vendors could be placed.

The Saint Stephen's 5K Falcon run and 1K fun run has already signed up more than 450 runners with an expectation of at least 700 participating on Saturday.

The DeSoto Historical Society's kids fishing tournament on the Riverwalk pier is filling up fast. Both of those events kick off the day at 7 a.m., with the remainder of the events beginning around 11 a.m. Events like the K-9 Crew Frisbee Dog Show, XPOGO and BMX stunt show will have mutiple shows, while restaurant row and the family fun zone will be open throughout the day.

Riverwalk concerts begin at 11 a.m. with First World Problems, and will feature ongoing entertainment leading up to Sam Woolf at 4 p.m. and Jefferson Starship at 4:30, who are expected to play until shortly before the Zambelli Fireworks show begins at 6:30 p.m. All concerts are taking place at the main stage area just behind the Riverwalk splash pad.

Water-taxi service

Most events are scheduled for the Manatee River or the Riverwalk. But some vendors and the competitor staging area, which could feature more events, will be in Palmetto. The Green Bridge will be closed from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, but organizers have retained the services of Captain Tom Hanchett, of Riverside Tours Inc., who will use his 44-passenger River Skipper II boat as a water taxi.

Hanchett said the first run from Palmetto's Riverside Reef and Grill will leave at 8 a.m. for Bradenton's Pier 22. The water taxi will leave Palmetto on the hour and leave Bradenton on the half-hour. All-day passes will be available for $5 and a limited number of tickets will be on sale for a single cruise to enjoy the fireworks show, scheduled to begin around 6:30 p.m.

The last water taxi ride of the day will leave Bradenton for Palmetto at 5:30 p.m.

Event security

As a family-friendly event, the regatta is alcohol free, which is expected to reduce incidents of bad behaivor requiring law enforcement action. But it is a major event, and area law enforcement officers and event private security will be active.

Integrated Strategic Marketing owner Mike Fetcko has told the Herald that more than a dozen security personnel will act as eyes and ears for local law enforcement.

The Bradenton Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff's Office and Palmetto Police Department will all have a contingent of law enforcement officers on hand, and the U.S. Coast Guard will be on duty on the Manatee River. The U.S. Coast Guard auxilary also will have first aid stations at the event.

Palmetto Police Chief Rick Wells said the better part of his department will be on duty the day of the event.

"We are really going to be working hard," said Wells. "We'll have the manpower in position to do everything we can."

Competitors at the ready

The world of hydro-cross jet ski racing, where daredevils skim across the top of the water at speeds reaching 95 mph, isn't for the timid. It's for the fearless like Ashley Sponaugle, one of the few women to ever race in the series. She views it all as a "good time."

Sponaugle has roots in Clearwater. Although familiar with the river, she will face the waters in competition for the first time, just like all of Saturday's competitors from both the Powerboat Super League Series and the P1 AquaX jet ski series.

"It's my favorite riding area, but obviously no one knows what it will be like to race on the river," said Sponaugle.

Sponaugle said she can feel the excitement of water sports fans and the competitors building.

"Everyone's really excited," she said. "It's a great opportunity to get our feet wet again. I'm also excited the regatta has come to Bradenton. It's exciting to race so close to home where my friends and family can finally come see what my racing is all about.

Racing in the Manatee River has allowed me to rediscover the Riverwalk and waterway I have known so well for years. It's almost like visiting a brand new place by seeing the area through racing-focused eyes."

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter at @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published February 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "As Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta nears, planning continues ."