'Better than Disney World,' fireworks cap a successful inaugural Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta

BRADENTON -- The fireworks at the Bradenton Area River Regatta were better than Disney World, said 9-year-old Payton Eckert.

"I thought they were really pretty and beautiful," the Bradenton resident said after the 16-minute Zambelli International Fireworks Spectacular over the Manatee River.

The fireworks, which were presented by Manatee Memorial Hospital, marked the end of the inaugural

Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta.

During the show, the fireworks were synchronized to Florida Georgia Line's "This Is How We Roll" and "Cruise," Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off," Pharrell Williams' "Happy," "Let It Go" from "Frozen" and "The Star Spangled Banner," among other songs.

Jacob Rodriguez, 10, of Bradenton called the fireworks cool.

His favorite part was "when they had a smiley face" in the fireworks, he said. It was synched to Pharrell's "Happy."

Bradenton resident Amy Smeralda said the fireworks were a nice way to end the regatta, which she hopes takes place again.

"It was an awesome way for the community to come together," she said. "The fireworks were awesome. It sets the bar high for Fourth of July."

Amelia Sabo, 10, of Bradenton, said she was happy that the organizers of the show played "Happy" during the program

The fireworks were "some of the best ones I've experienced in my life," she said.

Claire Aronson, University Parkway/Sarasota reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024 or at caronson@bradenton.com. Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published February 8, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "'Better than Disney World,' fireworks cap a successful inaugural Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta ."