ACTIVITIES
Illuminating the Nation’s Skies
Manatee River
Best Spectator Viewing from the Riverwalk kids playground area near Rossi Park!
Step up…to the next level of light show entertainment and pageantry. Drones capable of providing jaw-dropping illumination through vibrant, orchestrated, unmanned aircraft artistry.
Bradenton Area River Regatta presents “Friday Night Flash“…a dramatic sky-lights spectacular featuring a choreographed drone light performance by Sky Elements!
Witness the exorbitant radiance and resplendence, all set to music, of this sky-lighting performance as it officially opens this year’s Regatta, Friday, Feb. 19, at 7PM. For best views of the show…watch from the Bradenton Riverwalk splash park/kids playground area, in front of Rossi Park. The light poles on the Riverwalk are numbered. The splash park/playground area is located between pole numbers 14 and 15. Come watch us…Light It Up!
Formula 1 Racing
Manatee River
The Manatee Memorial Hospital “Florida Formula 1 Championships“…It’s Grit, Gusto, Glory From the Moment GO!
Powerboat racing roars as one of the most explosive events on water. Sporting jet-engine speed and “no brake, non-shiftable, forward only” gears, the race at Regatta features the Formula-1 class of boats capable of turning on a dime and dazzling spectators with their no fear agility and skill. Once the starting gun sounds, drivers rocket from the dock, climbing from 0-100/mph in less than four seconds. More impressive—they’ll reach four-plus G’s in the course turns barely slowing down, with the potential to top out at a dizzying 125+/mph on straightaways.
Bradenton-Palmetto provides the perfect backdrop for these sea-battling beasts as they circle the Manatee River in one heart-pounding, catch-me-if-you-can chase to the finish. Drivers from around the country will once again descend on one of the most scenic venues on the circuit to engage, entertain and enthrall the crowds.
The perfect place to watch? From high atop the mighty Green Bridge which, once again, will be closed completely across to offer a grand view of it all!
“Formula Lights” and Tri-Hulls Racing!
MORE WILD WATER RIDES AND RACING—a dynamic racing class, “Formula Lights”…are nimble, narly and never dull…these smaller and lighter vessels are nearly as loud and just as entertaining as the Formula 1 big boys. At roughly 12-feet long and 700 pounds heavy, the “Lights” get their nickname by navigating their slinky frames with superior skill while hitting speeds of 70/mph. And you have a front seat to it all, in what has collectively become the largest single-day racing event on the powerboat circuit.
Team Zoom and Dare Devil Stunt Dogs
Manatee Riverwalk Great Lawn
From unbelievably long Frisbee catches and gravity-defying agility vaults, to jumping rope, hula-hooping, dancing and darting through an obstacle course, our expertly-trained border collies perform one of the leading dog shows in the country.
Captivating performances and unique tricks go above-and-beyond with choreographed music, audience participation, photo opportunities, doggy meet-and-greets and more. People of all ages can’t help but love these amazing performance dogs! All shows demonstrate the incredible bond between animal and handler – all while providing an exciting experience for all guests. And as an added bonus, after each show, the audience can meet and interact with a few of these remarkable canine athletes. The dogs love to meet audience members of all ages and are great with kids and families.
Publix Family/Kids Zones!
Bradenton and Palmetto
Regatta’s Family Fun Zones, in Bradenton and Palmetto, give tykes, teens and parents too…an all-day docket full of great giveaways and old-fashioned fun activities destined to dazzle their day. From games and inflatables and shows such as the incredible “Moogician”…to interactive experiences…and don’t forget to check out the expo area with the US Army and The National Guard. With such an assortment, enjoying a great day of family fun and excitement has never been easier and more delightfully entertaining.
Hernando DeSoto Historical Society “Lil’ Anglers” Fishing Derby
Palmetto Green Bridge Fishing Pier
Start the day casting away…entry into the Regatta’s fishing tourney is FREE and includes prizes and trophies too. Presented by the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society, the derby takes place on the Palmetto Green Bridge Fishing Pier, starting at 8:30 a.m. Anglers must be between the ages of 5 to 12 years old. Rods—100 of them rigged and ready to go—will also be provided. To register, click here.
See Authentic Raveau Powerboats!…Presented by Manatee Memorial Hospital
Palmetto–Riverside Ave./Riverside Boat Ramp
First built by Marcel Raveau in 1939 in Long Island, New York and known for their success racing the grueling Albany to New York Marathon on the Hudson River. In 1959, a fleet of the racing boats was built for the newly formed “Outboard Pleasure Craft” class of American Power Boat Association. Production facility opened in Sarasota, Florida with Bob Walwork hired to work with Raveau. Walwork continued to build the boats until April 1965. In 1996, a new interest in Raveau boats prompted a decision to build the boat type again using a new style–V bottom. The boat was launched in 1997. Today, second generation Raveaus [not reproductions, but a continuation of the production by one of the original builders] is underway on a limited basis.