Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival celebrates start of the weekend

The Kickoff Party was hosted June 28 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 10:45 p.m. June 28, 2018
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The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival raced out of the starting line to the weekend with the Kickoff Party June 28 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 

The Kickoff Party invited supporters of the festival to enjoy a night of dancing to live music from Kettle of Fish, bid on silent auction items and indulge in the variety of food and drink options as the sun set over the bay. Proceeds from the festival go to Suncoast Charities for Children, an organization that provides grants for multiple area organizations including Children First, The Haven, Special Olympics Florida, The Florida Center and Loveland Center.

The 34th annual event runs from June 29 through July 4. The races start on June 30 with the best viewing at Lido Beach, and finish up on July 1. The festival concludes on July 4 with a firework show at Island Park.

Honorary Co-Chairs Eric and Christine Robinson
Honorary Co-Chairs Eric and Christine Robinson
Richard Davis and Festival Director Lucy Nicandri
Richard Davis and Festival Director Lucy Nicandri
A table full of different bite-sized deserts was a treat for guests.
A table full of different bite-sized deserts was a treat for guests.
Diana Giasson, Larry Leszczynski and Kim Petroff
Diana Giasson, Larry Leszczynski and Kim Petroff
Gerty Wolf and Steven Powell
Gerty Wolf and Steven Powell
Rick and Regina Taugner
Rick and Regina Taugner
Richard Fontaine, Katie Kimbrell, Jenn Fontaine, Nichole Miller and Bobby Kimbrell
Richard Fontaine, Katie Kimbrell, Jenn Fontaine, Nichole Miller and Bobby Kimbrell
Nick Dzembo, Mike Hankin and Erin and Patrick Duggan
Nick Dzembo, Mike Hankin and Erin and Patrick Duggan
Phillip Bourgerie and Patti Buchanan
Phillip Bourgerie and Patti Buchanan
A pasta bar was the main entree for the dinner.
A pasta bar was the main entree for the dinner.
Handmade guitars for the Grand Prix Festival were donated for the auction.
Handmade guitars for the Grand Prix Festival were donated for the auction.
Kettle of Fish entertained guests throughout the night.
Kettle of Fish entertained guests throughout the night.
Todd and Wendy Jarrett
Todd and Wendy Jarrett
Diane Cipully, Gary Barrack and Lynn Scala
Diane Cipully, Gary Barrack and Lynn Scala
Jane and Mark Wright
Jane and Mark Wright
Alison Thomas and Jordan Cadavid
Alison Thomas and Jordan Cadavid
Sarah Kalien, Stephanie Draper, Carol Cooper and Stephanie Grepling
Sarah Kalien, Stephanie Draper, Carol Cooper and Stephanie Grepling
The proceeds benefitted Suncoast Charities for Children.
The proceeds benefitted Suncoast Charities for Children.
Cyndy and Scott Byrd
Cyndy and Scott Byrd

 

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