'Ya Gotta Regatta' Saturday in Bradenton and Palmetto
MANATEE -- California may be hosting "Super Sunday" for the big showdown between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos, but as Bradenton Area River Regatta organizer Mike Fetchko told his crew Friday: "Bradenton and Palmetto are hosting 'Super Saturday.'"
Super Saturday is a full day of fun, food, music and racing at the second annual free Bradenton Area River Regatta. Those who are competing and participating in the day's events are more than ready to get the "Ya Gotta Regatta" festivities underway.
"I could not be more excited to be back at the Bradenton Area River Regatta," said Chris Clark, one of the world's top BMX stunt cyclists. Clark will be at the Bradenton Riverwalk amphitheater performing 20-minute shows throughout the day beginning around 10 a.m. "Last year's shows were the busiest, best-attended and most exciting of my entire season, and I expect no less this year."
Regatta officials say all systems are go, rain or shine. There is a 40 percent chance of late afternoon showers Saturday with somewhat windy conditions and a high of 61 degrees.
"The only thing that would shut down any part of the regatta would be lightning, and we aren't seeing any issues like that in the forecast," said Fetchko, president of ISM-USA, which also manages the nation's largest in
land regatta in Pittsburgh every July 4th weekend.
In Palmetto, XPOGO athletes will dazzle spectators with high-flying stunts at Riverside Park West. XPOGO cofounder and CEO Nick Ryan said everyone is looking forward to "an action-packed day. Last year was a great experience for our athletes and fans, and we'll be stepping it up this year by bringing some of our larger competition-grade set pieces and sport elements for an even wilder set of demos."
The day kicks off at 7 a.m. with the Desoto Little Anglers free fishing tournament on the Palmetto fishing pier. The tournament will wrap up around 10 a.m. when the Formula 2 powerboats and Hydrocross jet skis fire up for Manatee River events. At 8 a.m., hundreds of runners will line up in Bradenton for the Saint Stephen's 5K Run around Riverwalk and over the Green Bridge into Palmetto.
Fetchko said the nerves of last year's inaugural event are not with him this year.
"There were a lot of unknowns the first time around," said Fetchko. "But I have to give a shout out to the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto, both mayors and staff. The coordination last year was exceptional and this year has been even more smooth. We are excited to give everyone a great show."
Musical entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. on both sides of the river and run throughout the day, leading up to headliners Brandon Heath in Palmetto and BeatleMania Now plays in Bradenton. Both free concerts begin at 4:30 p.m. and last until the Zambelli International fireworks show around 6:45 p.m.
"We have a spectacular choreographed display with many new design elements," said Zambelli's Mike Simmons. "Not only will we be covering the waterfront sky from 100 feet to 600 feet, we also have an exciting highlight that will be a photo op for the community and the waterfront area like no one has ever seen."
106.5 CTQ will be simulcasting the choreographed music for the fireworks show, and Fetchko said last year's sound system issues have been resolved.
At 10 a.m., Palmetto hosts the Hydrocross demonstrations, stunts and races with prime spectator viewing from the fishing pier. Fetchko said 60 of the country's best jet skiers are competing in six divisions, which are 25 more than last year.
The Bright House-Pittsburgh Pirates Fun Zone, art show and food festival row will be on the west side of the Green Bridge, as will the only beer zone being hosted by the Hernando De Soto Historical Society.
Events beginning at 10 a.m. in Bradenton include the Frisbee Dogs Show, BMX Stunt Show, Pittsburgh Pirates Fun Zone, food festival row and art gallery all on Riverwalk. Fetchko said the number of food vendors has doubled this year to 25.
River activities begin at 10 a.m. with Hydrocross action and Formula 2 powerboat qualifying with racing activities lasting throughout the day until around 4:30 p.m.
The day concludes on Old Main Street from 7-10 p.m. with driver awards, presentations and a continued celebration.
A pedicab service and B-Towne Shuttle will be available to transport regatta visitors to and from the event from parking areas, with operators working on tips.
Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.
This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 11:36 PM with the headline "'Ya Gotta Regatta' Saturday in Bradenton and Palmetto ."