You Gotta Regatta: This Summer's Festivities Include Power Boats, Ferris Wheel, Fireworks
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- They struck up the band at Rivers Casino Amphitheater as plans were announced for the EQT Three Rivers Regatta - July 3-5.
"We're bringing back Formula One power boats," announced Derek Weber, of Peony Entertainment.
He says the power boat comeback is in keeping with the Regatta's "History of Pittsburgh" theme.
"Formula One power boats have not been here for a number of years. But the history was, in 1982, the first-time Formula One power boats ever raced in the United States were at the Pittsburgh Regatta," Weber said.
Fourth of July fireworks will be provided by Pyrotechnico of New Castle. There will also be live music on five stages, including the Clemente Bridge.
"Closing out this year's Regatta on July 5 will be Grammy-nominated country star Chris Young, on the One Main Financial stage," added senior event coordinator Darcy Kucenic.
"Not many people know that the Ferris wheel was invented in Pittsburgh," Weber said. "In 1893, George Ferris invented the wheel for the Chicago World Fair."
He says a Ferris wheel coming to the Regatta will have choreographed music and LED lighting.
"Nine stories tall will be this Ferris wheel, that will hover over the city. People will see it over the Fourth of July weekend, no doubt about it, if you drive near the city, or anywhere around the city," said Weber.
The popular sand sculpture will also be back, this time with a steelworkers theme. And the 'Anything That Floats' race promises to be bigger and soggier than ever.
For more information on the 2015 EQT Three Rivers Regatta, click here: http://www.yougottaregatta.com/
One other thing: They've brought back the phrase, 'You Gotta Regatta."
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