Gentlemen and gentlewomen, start your engines! That’s right, the annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival is taking place again this year and it’s guaranteed to be more exciting than ever. Beginning on Saturday, June 29 with the 4th Annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic and ending with the powerboat race main event on Sunday, July 7, enjoy over a weeklong celebration of racing and all of the fun that goes with it.
But the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival isn’t just focused on racing, it’s also focused on giving back to the community. Proceeds of this festival go to Suncoast Charities for Children, a non-profit organization that provides annual grants to the Suncoast Foundation for the construction, capital improvements and special projects for local non-profit agencies that provide services for children and adults with special needs.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you can take part in during the festival:
Saturday, June 29
4th Annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic at The Meadows Country Club
Registration is at 7 a.m. and the tournament begins at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday, June 30
Boat & Personal Watercraft Fun Run at Marina Jack
Registration is at 10 a.m. and the race begins at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, July 2
The Friendliest Catch Fishing Tournament at Sarasota Outboard Club
This private event is limited to clients with special needs who receive services from local non-profit agencies supported by Suncoast Charities for Children.
It begins at 9 a.m., with lunch provided at noon.
Wednesday, July 3
Bayfront Grand Prix Festival Kickoff Party at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Grand Foyer
From 6 p.m. to 10, enjoy an open bar and live entertainment.
Thursday, July
Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular at Island Park
This is a free event and open to the public.
Friday, July 5
Meet & Greet Who’s in the Driver’s Seat Race Team Autograph Event at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom from 1:30 p.m. to 3.
“Boats on the Block” Block Party on Main Street, downtown
This event begins at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Saturday, July 6
Car and Motorcycle Show at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson
This event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, July 7
Powerboat races at Lido Beach
The main event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
VIP viewing is available at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach
For pricing and more information, go to the schedule section on the Sarasota Powerboat Grand-Prix Festival website.
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