BRADENTON, Fla. - A new and unique drone lightshow will bring the 2023 Bradenton Area River Regatta to a climatic conclusion, replacing the traditional fireworks display, during the event’s day-long schedule of free activities along the banks of the Manatee River in Bradenton and Palmetto on Saturday.

Representatives from several of the signature acts, along with community leaders, joined Bradenton/Palmetto officials on Tuesday to outline the activities and shows for the River Regatta, which annually attracts more than 100,000 spectators.

City of Bradenton's Mayor, Gene Brown, talked with us and said "What’s exciting to me is all the activities and obviously the kids. When you see my grandson, who was four when they started, he’s gonna be 13 this year. He’s looking forward to it and is excited to be here and just watching the activities for the whole community.

“When you think about it, to bring 100,000 people from around the region, and you know it’s not all Manatee County people, but when you bring people in, they’re able to see what Bradenton’s all about, what Palmetto is all about and what Manatee County is all about.”

Speakers included Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant; Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown; Elliott Falcione, executive director of BACVB; Sam Winer of Powerboat Super League racing; Super League championship racers; and Preston Ward, chief pilot and one of the partners of Sky Elements.

You can review the River Regatta schedule by clicking here.