Opening Ceremony a world-class performance in Sarasota
Plenty of pomp as 2017 World Rowing Championships opens at Nathan Benderson Park.
By
Berkley Mason
| 10:50 a.m. September 24, 2017
East County
News
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While Palm Aire's Debbie and Jeff Burhans do not row themselves, they wanted to attend the 2017 World Rowing Championships taking place right near their home, at Nathan Benderson Park.
“We have been keeping up with the rowing, and this championship is going to be just like the Olympic atmosphere,” Jeff Burhans said. “We’ve been watching everything develop here for the last two years — the transformation (of Nathan Benderson Park) has been amazing.”
On Sept. 24, thousands gathered at Nathan Benderson Park for the kickoff celebration of the 2017 World Rowing Championships. The opening ceremony event featured a pre-ceremony Fan Fest, performances by Sailor Circus, Nock Productions and Sarasota Cuban Ballet, live music from Jah Movement and more.
The Burhans couple has been watching closely as the community prepared for this world event.
“We ride by the park every morning,” Debbie Burhans said. “It is so cool to see it finally come to fruition.”
Sarasota's Taylor LaFlamme and Bill Lukas stroll around the park during Fan Fest.
More than 70 countries will compete in the 2017 World Rowing Championships at Nathan Benderson Park.
Palm Aire's Debbie and Jeff Burhans enjoy a drink by the water during Fan Fest.
Nock Productions' Bello Nock performs on a Sky High Sway Pole during the opening ceremony for the World Rowing Championship.
It's time to get rowdy during a live musical performance at Nathan Benderson Park.
A Jah Movement band member looks at the crowd in the stands during the World Rowing Championship opening ceremony.
Ky-Mani Caines of the Jah Movement band shows off his skills on stage during the opening ceremony.
The Sarasota Ski-a-Rees team thrilled the crowd with their tower.
Sarasota's Katie Beiler gets ready to carry the American Flag on stage for the opening ceremony.
Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac thanks 2017 World Rowing Championship attendees for coming.
The VIP guests hang out in the tower at Nathan Benderson Park for the opening ceremony.
Sarasota's Austin and Tanner Bobb hang out in the front row for the opening ceremony.
Lakewood Ranch's Sammy Cerritio, Melinda Slicis and Tim Slicis enjoy a beverage at the finish tower at Nathan Benderson Park.
Siesta Key's Lulu Soeder and Lee Fitzgerald enjoy their VIP passes during the 2017 World Rowing Championships.
Sailor Circus' Teresa Powell, 15, performs on stage during the opening ceremony.
Team Sandtastic's Dean Arscott sand sculpts a sculpture for the 2017 World Rowing Championship.
Tampa Bay Lightning's mascot strolls around the park during Fan Fest.
East County's Patrick Johnston wears a red clown nose around the park during Fan Fest.
Nock Productions' Andrew Nock sways high in the sky as World Rowing Championship attendees enter the park for the opening ceremony.
Siberia's Lusha Miliashkevich beats on a drum during Fan Fest.
Jah Movement performs island-style music for the crowd during the opening ceremony for the World Rowing Championship.
Various water demonstrations took place during the opening ceremony at Nathan Benderson Park.
Elizabeth Kostichka traveled from Wisconsin to see the World Rowing Championships at Nathan Benderson Park.
