PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh and fireworks make a perfect match on the Fourth of July.

But Wednesday’s festivities will get underway long before the rockets blast off.

The Regatta, for example, is pulling out all the stops, as it celebrates its 35th anniversary.

“It’s a water event,” says Regatta spokesman Michael Dongilli, “so it’s about power boat racing, it’s about water skiing, it’s about Anything that Floats races, we do dragon boats on the water. You know, we have the North American championships. We’re the largest venue on the power boat racing circuit.”

Visitors also gawk at the largest sand sculpture in Pennsylvania history. It takes 160 tons to create a three-dimensional view of our Founding Fathers.

Another 50 tons of Beaver County sand has created a 200-foot long beach on the banks of the Allegheny River.

Across the river, Heinz Field fans will be dancing to a country music beat, with a series of performers taking the stage on the south end of the stadium.

“There’s food, games, all family fun,” says Heinz Field spokesman John Woderak. “We welcome everyone to come down and enjoy the North Shore, enjoy Heinz Field. We open both rotundas of the stadium, so fans can climb up on the rotundas, and get a bird’s eye view of the fireworks.”

Speaking of fireworks, Regatta spokesman Dongilli has some advice.

“Make sure you’re seated and situated for the first minute of the show, because we are going to do some very special things to celebrate that 35th anniversary and you want to be here and seated to see it.”

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