The event offered races, flyboard demos, shows, concerts and more on both sides of the Manatee River

MANATEE COUNTY - The Bradenton Area River Regatta brought high-speed boat races, fireworks and lots more family fun to Manatee County on Saturday.

The third annual event attracted thousands of people to both Bradenton and Palmetto along the Manatee River.

In its inaugural year of 2015, the regatta drew an estimated crowd of 80,000, which organizers said made it the largest spectator event ever in Manatee County. Fewer people showed up the following year due to rainy weather.

While an official number wasn't available at press time, large crowds resembling the 2015 turnout came out to see water races, concerts and other entertainment.

The Manatee River hosted both Formula 2 powerboat and Hydrocross jet ski races.

The high speeds did lead to two boats crashing, but no injuries were reported.

The powerboat racing competitors included defending regatta champion Ashton Rinker, who lives in Tampa, and Jeff Reno, who lives in Okeechobee but was born in Bradenton.

TOP GUN Flyboards teaming up with Kristen "The Destroyer" Smoyer, once again, for some LIVE Flyboarding with the best in the world!! 

Both cities also had their own concert stages, coordinated so the main performers played at the same time. Bradenton hosted yacht rock supergroup Nashville Yacht Club Band, featuring "The Voice" finalist Cody Belew as lead singer, while New York Zac Brown Band tribute act ZBTB headlined Palmetto's stage.

And event sponsor Budweiser brought their Clydesdale horses. Bradenton and Palmetto each got a chance to see the eight-horse hitch, with the Clydesdales marching on the Green Bridge around noon.

Then, as in previous years, the regatta closed with a musically choreographed fireworks display over the Manatee River in the evening.

For more information about the event visit: - 

Bradenton Area River Regatta website: www.bradentonarearegatta.com
Top Gun Flyboards Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tgflyboards/