BRADENTON – Coordinators are calling it the biggest spectator event on the Suncoast.
Officials reveal the exciting activities planned for the 6th annual Bradenton Area River Regatta this Saturday.
“It’s probably the best attended boat-racing event in the United States,” said Powerboat Superleague Co-owner, Sherron Winer. “Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this.”
Boat races go on all day long. The event is held along the shores of the Manatee River on both sides of the Green Bridge, the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto.
Coordinators of the event say the Green Bridge will be closed and open for spectators. They say it will be completely be filled.
A free trolley service will be available throughout the day.
“If you’re looking to get to get the best overall view of the boat races, you want to be on the Green Bridge,” said ISM/USA event manager, Michael Dongilli. “There’s also fantastic views on the Bradenton Riverwalk all the way up and down.”
Two divisions of boats will be racing, the F-2 and the newest type, the Jersey Speed Skiff.
There will be about 20 boats skidding across the water racing to get the finish line.
“This is a big one,” said Dongilli. “This is the first race on the circuit for this year. So people will be hyped to get in the water and start running again for sure.”
In between the boat racers, 2016 Pro Ladies Flyboard World Champion, Kristen “The Destroyer” Smoyer will be performing stunts in the water alongside another world champion, Mike Thrasher.
She is most looking forward to high-fiving the spectators on the bridge.
“I travel all over the world and do events all over and this is the only one I bring my son to,” said Kristen Smoyer. “And, I love when he gets to come, there are so many cool events for him to do.”
Activities of all kind will be on both sides of the river including music, fishing tournaments, a 5k and more.
It’s a free family friendly event for everyone to enjoy. 5,000 free ear-clip headsets will be issued on a first come first serve basis.
A choreographed fireworks show by Zambelli fireworks will end the night.
They’re expecting more than a hundred-thousand people. The event will be on Saturday from10 in the morning 10 until 10 at night. For more information, you can visit their website.
