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Jul 3, 2009 1:05 pm US/Eastern
2009 Three Rivers Regatta Kicks Off
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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Just like in years past, powerboat races will be part of this year's regatta.
KDKA
The Fourth of July celebration in Pittsburgh kicked off Friday with the start of the Three Rivers Regatta.
This year's regatta is jammed full of events including the traditional powerboat and jet ski races along with food, concerts and other entertainment.
The powerboats begin their qualifying runs this afternoon.
Officials say there are two classes, the ones that go 100 miles an hour and the ones that can reach speeds of 120 miles per hour.
The main races will take place on Saturday.
New this year is high wire walker, Nik Wallenda, who has brought his act to town.
The daredevil will walk a tightrope over the Allegheny River. His crew was reeling out the cable on the Clemente Bridge on Thursday in preparation for the event.
"It's definitely a challenge; even the way we're rigging has never been done," said Wallenda. "We started in the 1780s and we've never rigged the wire this way with all the stabilizers cable going the same way."
There's also the fireworks display planned for Saturday night.
The company, "Pyrotechnico," will set off 22,000 fireworks over the city skyline.
The show is set to begin at 9:30 p.m. and should last about 25 minutes.
MORE INFORMATION: 
ThreeRiversRegatta.net | Event Schedule
Stay with KDKA for the latest on the Three Rivers Regatta.
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