Second annual Bradenton Area River Regatta races canceled by weather; fireworks, concert still a go

MANATEE -- Rain dampened the turnout at the second annual Bradenton Area River Regatta and forced cancellation of the main event.

The main races in the Bradenton Area River Regatta were canceled about 3:15 p.m. Saturday because of rough surf conditions on Manatee River. Winners of the qualifying F2 race were declared overall race winners.

The fireworks display and concert had not been canceled as of 3:45 p.m., according to authorities. The events could be canceled if a thunderstorm hits, officals said.

The race cancellation announcement the F2 Powerboat races were officially canceled was made over the intercom to the few spectators left standing in the cold, rainy conditions.

Boats had started heading back from the docks prior to the announcement, because the water was too rough and they were banging into the docks.

"The water became too choppy. Obviously visibility is an issue. The current is moving a lot faster. It's moving our buoys and the course buoys and they are not staying where they need to me," said Michael Dongilli, with ISM-USA, event organizer. "When you combine all those things, it becomes very difficult to put on a race in these kinds of weather conditions."

Despite the contrary elements, Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston said the event was well put together and the planning was extraordinary.

"But you can't plan for the weather," Poston said. "I have no doubt that the rain is keeping people away this year. I ran into a couple from Ontario who came down just for this event and they said they had to go dry out, but would be back. People are still enjoying themselves, but it's disappointing weather."

Poston said he was most concerned with the vendors.

"These guys almost ran out of food last year, so I'm sure they were preparing for a large crowd," said Poston.

Dongilli said attendance was definitely down. Initially expecting about 20 percent more people than last year, by midday he was hoping to reach the same 80,000 number from last year.

The Green Bridge fared well with numbers early in the day, but continued rain and delays in racing caused by marine wildlife in the area, only a scattered remnant of last year's crowd on the bridge remained by the afternoon.

At the BMX stunt show, last year was standing room only, but BMX rider Chris Clark performed this year before a few dozen people. The lighter crowd was favorable for those who did brave the colder temps in the low 60s and wetter conditions.

Paul Notine and Robert Munce were first to set up for the day's Formula 2 racing atop the Green Bridge as the regatta got off to a chilly start Saturday morning.

"We were the first ones here last year and we are the first ones here this year," said Notine. "This event is pretty exciting. We live in a boating community, but you'll never see boats like this. It's amazing to watch them go from zero to 100 mph in about 4 seconds."

Munce said the action is great and the day is all about fun with friends and making some new ones, as well.

"We met a lot of really great people last year," he said. "I'm hoping to see a lot them back again and looking forward to meeting some new people. It's just a lot of fun and camaraderie being out here."

By 10:30 a.m., Notine and Munce were surrounded as activity on the bridge became busier, but as the rain started it was apparent the crowd was lighter this year although thousands had arrived and were still streaming into the regatta.

There were no reported traffic or parking issues. A group of three people dodging rain drops summed up their arrival with: "No problems at all."

Sara Hoiby competed in the St. Stephen's 5K run earlier and was relaxing in the expanded food court on Riverwalk that featured a lot more variety than last year.

"Still, they could use even more variety and some more healthy options," she said, noting regatta organizers did address some issues from last year's event such as more portable restrooms. "And it's nice to see a lot more going on in Palmetto this year, too. We aren't here for anything specific. We just came out to enjoy all of it."

The day opened with dozens of young children gathering on the Palmetto fishing pier for the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society's Kids Fishing Tournament and hundreds of runners traversing the Green Bridge for the St. Stephen's 5K Falcon Run.

DeSoto member Scott Toedman ran last year's inaugural fishing tournament where about 50 youngsters participated, many for the first time. About youngsters lined the Palmetto fishing pier, the tournament's new location.

"This is a much better venue for the kids," said Toedman. "The fishing is much better over here than it is off the day dock in Bradenton."

Last year, the tournament featured cane poles. This year, the state of Florida chipped in with 100 new fishing poles with each child walking away with a medal, fishing tackle and pole. Toedman, an offshore tournament angler, said there is nothing quite like watching a child's smile when a fish is on the line.

"That's what this is all about," he said. "It's a lot of work putting this together, but when you see that, it's all worth it."

James Blanchard brought his 8-year-old son, Gage, to the tournament and were the first ones in line. Gage is no stranger to fishing and knew exactly what he was after.

"I'm hoping to get some grunt and some snapper," said the young angler. "It's been cold so we haven't been doing a lot of fishing, but this is a tournament so I thought it would be fun to come to my first tournament.

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 6, 2016 at 11:42 PM with the headline "Second annual Bradenton Area River Regatta races canceled by weather; fireworks, concert still a go ."