10 Reasons Why You Should Check Out The EQT Three Rivers Regatta in Pittsburgh July 3-5 #YouGottaRegatta

The EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta is one of those yearly events that folks start talking about when it's still winter- it's that much fun. Honoring the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers that converge to make the Ohio River, it's a three day water festival from July 3-5, jam-packed with fun activities, high-speed races, and family-friendly fun.

Although you don't need one specific reason (they're all amazing!) to head to Pittsburgh for this year's Three Rivers Regatta, I've got 10 awesome ones:

"Wheel of Lights" Ferris Wheel

Photo Courtesy of  EQT Three Rivers Arts Festival & Markowitz Communications

New to the Regatta this year at Point State Park , the "Wheel of Lights" stands 90 feet tall and offers 16 passenger gondolas. If you think it's pretty during the day, wait until the sun goes down! The Ferris Wheel uses the latest in LED lighting technology and showcases 12 different lighting patterns. To gaze at its beauty is always free, but a ride on it will cost you $5.

Brett Eldridge

The 2014 CMA New Artist of the Year will take the OneMain Financial Stage on July 3rd at 8pm and is sure to feature hits from his platinum album Bring you Back. For the first time, limited VIP tickets will be sold for the show in the Pit Section at the front of the stage. tickets may be purchased at the Three Rivers Regatta website.

Anything That Floats Race

Have you ever tried to build a boat? The Anything That Floats race takes a bit of skill and a whole lot of creativity! Entries are based on themes and most times it's the wackier, the better. The race will run on July 5th from noon to 1:30pm.

Lighted Boat Parade

Photo Courtesy of  EQT Three Rivers Arts Festival & Markowitz Communications

The local Pittsburgh and vicinity boating community come out in full force on July 3rd at 9:30pm decked out in thousands of lights. The parade begins at the Monongahela River side of The Point and is always a big hit compliments of the sparkling rivers and boats.

"Flashes of Freedom" Fireworks

At exactly 9:36pm on the Fourth of July, Pyrotechnico (a force in the fireworks world) will light up the Pittsburgh sky with its "Flashes of Freedom" fireworks display. This is the fourth time the company has produced a massive display for The 'Burgh and it's always a huge hit for folks that bring their folding chairs and coolers hours ahead of time to Point State Park.

Vintage Power Boat Exhibit

Photo Courtesy of  EQT Three Rivers Arts Festival & Markowitz Communications

For all three days of the Regatta, vintage power boats will be on display for viewing and photographs. The golden era of these beauties lasted from the 1920's through the mid-1980's and owners of the water power houses are happy to show you their prowess.

SandSational Sand Sculpture

Photo Courtesy of  EQT Three Rivers Arts Festival & Markowitz Communications

Always a big hit, SandSational Sand Sculpting returns for the fifth straight year to showcase its skills in the art of sand creativity. If you thought it only involved sand castles, you'll definitely be amazed at the way the sand seems to defy gravity. This year's theme features Pittsburgh Steelworkers and will be available fro viewing all three days of the Regatta starting at noon.

Formula One Power Boats 

Here's a little bit of trivia: The first racing venue for Formula One Power Boats was Pittsburgh in 1982. Ok, so now that you're up to speed (I wrote up to speed. Tee hee.) on just how long the speed demons have been delighting folks in the city, you'll understand why the popular boats draw so many visitors. Time trials begin on July 4th from noon- 2:30pm and the big finale happens on July 5th from 5-7pm when the skilled drivers must weave and turn their ways through a challenging course.

Kids Beach

After the kids have checked out the SandSational Sand Sculptures, they'll no doubt want to test their own skillls at sand cart. Riverfront Beach is spot to head for just that. Sponsored by AAA, the beach is a fun spot to cool off and get that creativity flowing each day of the Regatta.

Dragon Boat Races

Photo courtesy of flickr/KitAv

With up to 20 paddlers, a steerer, and the infamous boater that bangs the drum to set the pace for the race, Dragon Boat races will be held on July 3rd from noon-2pm in the Allegheny River. For 2000 years, dragon boat competitions have been held, and from their beginning in Southern China, seeing one of these beauties in the water is always a spectacular sight.