Manatee River regatta set to showcase Bradenton and Palmetto

River regatta ready to showcase our community

One of the things that makes our area so appealing to out-of-state visitors is our year-round sunshine and agreeable weather. It allows us to hold festivals and events outdoors, in the open air, even in the coldest winter months. It brings first-time visitors to the area, which generates new dollars in the community and for local businesses.

A great example is the Bradenton Area River Regatta, which brought an estimated 80,000 spectators to the inaugural event, with approximately 30 percent of them out-of-county travelers. This generated an estimated $3,292,200 economic impact in our urban core. That's why our department believes in these types of events, because of the positive impact it has on our community. This year, the Bradenton River Regatta will take place Feb. 6 and will be bigger and better.

For the early bird, the action begins at 7 a.m. with the Desoto "Little Anglers" Fishing Tournament and at 8 a.m. take your mark and get set for the Saint Stephen's 5K Run. Both sides of the bridge will be beaming with festivities starting at 10 a.m. that include Frisbee Dogs, BMX stunts, Extreme Pogo stunts, Flyboarding, art, and food. Watch the qualifying, time trials, and championship races for the Formula 2 PowerBoat Super League as they hit 120 mph on the Manatee River. All leading up to the headliner concerts from Brandon Heath and Beatlemania Now. Don't forget to stay around until the sun sets for the Zambelli Fireworks Spectacular show.

The Regatta will increase the event programming in Palmetto this year, including jet Ski Racing, XPogo, and a free Christian concert with Heath headlining.

This will no doubt be another spectacular event that will showcase two great cities to visitors and residents alike. It is important to remember that signature events help stimulate the local economy so our retail establishments stay financially healthy. It also allows them to employ a strong workforce on a year round basis that is vital when striving to provide top notch customer service to our visitors and residents. So come enjoy the first of many outdoor events this year that are sure to enhance the quality of life in the community we all love.

For information about the regatta visitbradentongulfislands.com/river-regatta/ Follow on Facebook page facebook.com/RiverwalkRegatta/?ref=hl.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, can be reached at Elliott.Falcione@BACVB.com or 941.729.9177 x222.

This story was originally published January 10, 2016 at 11:26 PM with the headline "Manatee River regatta set to showcase Bradenton and Palmetto ."