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Three Rivers Regatta Kicks Off In Pittsburgh, Some Events Delayed By Rain

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The power boats took to the water Friday morning as the 40th annual EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta got underway.

Time trials and practices started in the early afternoon hours, but soon after heavy storms moved in, bringing rain and gusty winds.

For that reason, some of the activities had to be delayed.

In an email to CBS Radio Pittsburgh, Derek Weber the president of LionHeart Event Group, the Regatta's event management team said, "After conferring with Pittsburgh Public Safety and the National Weather Service the EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta has decided to delay activities until the approaching storm passes to ensure the safety of our participants and spectators. We expect activities to resume once the storm has moved through the area."

By 4 p.m., some of the events were kicking back off again. The booths reopened in Point State Park, the music was kicking back off and the Ferris wheel was back up and running

However, they are still closely monitoring the weather.

"We're in constant contact with meteorologists, with the National Weather Service to see what's going on and with Pittsburgh Public Safety, but basically, it would have to be thunderstorm. And it wouldn't make us cancel," Weber said. "We would just delay things, is what would happen. Or heavy wind gusts."

The good news, after today, the weather is expected to be fabulous the rest of the weekend.

"Saturday and Sunday look beautiful, from what we've heard."

KDKA's John Shumway Reports:

As always, there's something for everyone at the Regatta.

The roar of the power boats are sure to draw many to the river's edge this year.

There's a reason these boats pack the banks of the Allegheny River each summer... it's speed.

"About 150 miles an hour," said Weber.

The craft now lined up on Art Rooney Way will launch Saturday from the Red Bull Flutag runway on the North Shore. Their mission is all about distance.

"We see all sorts of flights," said Patrick Brennan, the competition's director. "We see some kerplunk factor and we some good glides."

There are other activities on the water as well.

"We have some water skiing activities that are going to be spectacular. They are doing a bit of a competition and it's going to absolutely spellbinding," said John Bonassi, the Regatta chairman.

Over in Point State Park, there's music on the main stage, the Ferris wheel is back and the food is a major draw.

"Probably all the grease that's loaded on it makes it that much better," said one Regatta-goer.

The Frisbee dogs are back, and the massive sand sculpture is finally ready for viewing.

"It's a 40th anniversary theme that is absolutely spectacular," said Bonassi.

Then, Saturday night, the lighted boat parade is sure to draw many spectators.

"Recreational boaters are encouraged to decorate their boats," said Weber. "They'll come from the Mon around the tip of the Point to PNC Park."

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