Unique Drone Light Show to Cap Eighth Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta
BRADENTON, Fla.— A spectacular and first-of-its kind drone light show in the Manatee County region will cap an impressive lineup of FREE activities during the 2023 Bradenton Area River Regatta, which returns to the banks of Manatee River Saturday, Feb. 11.
One of the latest innovations in outdoor events, this dazzling array of aerial illumination is the newest attraction of the eighth annual River Regatta. This year’s festivities begin at approximately 10 a.m. and include an impressive slate of events from dawn to dusk, on both land and water, featuring high-speed watercraft racing, family-fun interactive activities, and chart-topping musical entertainment…and they are ALL FREE.
“Palmetto is looking forward to again co-hosting the Bradenton Area River Regatta,” said Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant. “All eyes will be on the Manatee River with plenty of entertainment on both sides of it and even above it.
“Each year as the event has grown in popularity, so has the amount of entertainment. As the sun sets on February 11, the entertainment above the river will be somewhat different this year, but well worth the wait. Plan your day around the Regatta.”
“We are so happy for the return of the fabulous Bradenton Area River Regatta,” said Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown. “The City looks forward to this marque event every year along our wonderful Riverwalk and on the shore of our neighbor, Palmetto.”
“We are truly thrilled to continue supporting signature events like the River Regatta that will not only create awareness of the unique characteristics in our urban core, but also drive out-of-town business to our hospitality industry,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
While the drone light show will bring the Regatta to its amazing conclusion instead of the traditional fireworks finale, many of the fan-favorite activities return, including the highly competitive high-speed racing of the F-2 powerboats on the rugged Manatee course.
The oldest and most-respected racing circuit in the F-2 division, Powerboat Superleague will rock the Manatee River for the group’s first tunnel boat race of the 2023 season.
Also competing for the second year are the dynamic SST-45 “Formula Lights.” These nimble, but powerful vessels debuted in 2022 and quickly captured spectators’ attention.
They may be smaller and lighter watercraft than the Formula-2 big boys, but they are nearly as loud, and just as entertaining. At roughly 12-feet long and 700 pounds, the 45-footers get their nickname, “Formula Lights,” by navigating their stealthy frames with superior skill, while hitting speeds of 70 mph. Regatta fans have a front-row seat for all the action in what is considered the largest racing event on the APBA Circuit.
In addition to the powerboat racing, soaring above the waves of the Manatee in 2023 once again is World Flyboard Champion Kristen “The Destroyer” Smoyer, who will entertain spectators throughout the day with her incredible and improbable stunts that have garnered her world-wide accolades.
On land, top musical acts entertain spectators all day long on both sides of the Manatee. These top bands are staples for the Regatta and this year’s itinerary of talent features national rock-n-roll cover band Lazy Bonez (5:30 p.m. at Bradenton River Walk Main Stage) and fan-favorite Soul Circus Cowboys (5:30 p.m., at the Palmetto Main stage).
Other featured entertainment generating diverse soundwaves throughout the day includes: The Andy Pursell Band in Palmetto (3:30 p.m.); and at the Riverwalk Main Stage, Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Sweet Fleet, from noon-1 p.m., and the Moonflower Band at the Riverwalk Main Stage, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Up-and-coming musicians from the Del Couch Foundation will show off their talents all day long from noon-3:30 p.m. on both stages.
Other featured entertainment generating diverse soundwaves throughout the day includes: The Andy Pursell Band in Palmetto (3:30 p.m.); and at the Riverwalk Main Stage, Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Sweet Fleet, from noon-1 p.m., and the Moonflower Band at the Riverwalk Main Stage, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Up-and-coming musicians from the Del Couch Foundation will show off their talents all day long from noon-3:30 p.m. on both stages.
Thrilling and Captivating Powerboat Racing Rocks the Manatee
Powerboat racing at the Bradenton Area River Regatta is not only a fan favorite but has become the pilots’ favorite venue on the APBA circuit.
The tight turns and tricky Manatee River surf make this race challenging and attractive for the top racers, producing an exhilarating show for the Regatta fans.
The F-2 racers always bring it. Many of Superleague’s top pilots will compete including: Bradenton’s Mike Quindazzi, who moved here from Arizona right after the 2020 race because he loved the Bradenton area; former-champion Jeff Reno of Okeechobee, Fla.; and Chris Rinker of Houston, Texas, a member of the famed-Rinker Racing family, based in the nearby Tampa area. They join a talented field of highly skilled drivers for an electrifying demonstration of speed and maneuverability in watercrafts capable of climbing up to speeds of 120 mph.
The lighter but mighty SST-45 vessels quickly demonstrated their prowess last year. Capable of reaching speeds from 0-100 mph in less than four seconds and referred to as the “Formula Lights” class—because they are smaller and lighter than the F-2s—they nearly produce the same rumbling sounds and thrills as their “Big Brothers.” Three of the nation’s Top 10 contenders are participating: J.W. Nelson, Ricky Sober and Randy Partch. Sober and Partch are from the greater Bradenton area.
A series of qualifying runs and time trials for each class precede championship racing. Spectators can also get an up-close look at some of these awesome watercrafts on display all day near the Riverside Park Area in Palmetto.
Throughout the day and in between the racing action, Smoyer, the 2016 Pro Ladies Flyboard World Champion, will dazzle the audience with her uncanny flips and stunts in one of the newest crazes in watercraft entertainment—the fly board. She also will perform a special post-Regatta show beginning at approximately 7:15 p.m. outside Pier 22 Restaurant.
World champion freestyle jet skier Chris Anyzeski of Jupiter, Fla., joins Smoyer between races with his jaw-dropping, championship-caliber flips and stunts. Anyzeski has performed internationally—in Australia, Japan, Thailand, Russia—earning accolades such as 2018 USA champion and runner up for the Pro World title that same year. He’s currently ranked third in the world.
Eighties Cover Band Lazy Bonez and Soul Circus Cowboy Headline Regatta Musical Slate
Powerboats and chart-topping musical acts are staples of the River Regatta in years past, and the 2023 musical lineup is superb.
Lazy Bonez hits the Regatta stage for the first time and features hit songs from iconic bands such as Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Poison, Def Leppard, Van Halen, AC/DC and many more! Instead of paying tribute to just one band, Lazy Bonez celebrates the entire genre of 80’s rock. The group will cap the day’s musical entertainment on the Bradenton Riverwalk Main Stage, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Leading up to the finale on the Riverwalk Main Stage are two up-and-coming local acts. Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Sweet Fleet, based in Sarasota, Fla., recreates the sights and sounds of 70s’ Mac at noon, followed by Tampa Bay’s original Moonflower Band at 3:30 p.m.
Across the River, Soul Circus Cowboys, formed in Tampa by lead singer and songwriter Billy McKnight in 2009, will headline the Palmetto Main Stage. The group espouses its vision of artistry around larger-than-life performances and gasoline-drenched Southern Country Rock.
The Andy Pursell Band returns to the Palmetto Main Stage and serves as the lead-in to Palmetto’s musical finale. Blending country with a rock edge, the fan-favorite keeps spectators on their feet with an energetic mix of originals and cover songs. The band has performed at venues such as: Grand ‘Ole Opry, Hard Rock Café, and the Whiskey a GoGo.
Talented students from The Del Couch Music Education Foundation open all the musical entertainment on both stages, beginning at 11 a.m.
Other activities throughout the day along the Bradenton Riverwalk include two separate nationally-acclaimed stunt dog troupes: the Team Zoom and Dare Devil Stunt Dogs. Spectators will not only be treated to incredible tricks and feats, they can meet and interact with a few of the remarkable canine athletes after each show.
A variety of other activities and interactive fun are available on both sides of the river at the Bradenton River Walk and Palmetto River Park area. On the River Walk Main Lawn, the Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders-sponsored Family Fun Zones has a cornucopia of activities including interactive sports fun and face painters; pitching machine and corn-hole pitch; and Hernando De Soto Historical Society food festival featuring an assortment of Bradenton Area’s finest cuisine. At the Palmetto Riverside Park, families can enjoy an expo area sponsored by the U.S. Army and The National Guard and many top local food vendors.
Kicking off the festivities is the De Soto Little Anglers Fishing Derby (at Palmetto Fishing Pier).
Full details, schedule and additional information are available at bradentonarearegatta.com. Follow all the fun and activities on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RiverwalkRegatta.
