PITTSBURGH -- The Three Rivers Regatta kicked off on Friday, but some of the action will have everyone looking up in the air, instead of at the water.
The annual regatta continues through Sunday on the North Shore and at Point State Park.
Are You Celebrating The Fourth? Tell Us How! Click To CommentScheduled events include powerboat races, freestyle motocross, a Three Dog Night concert, a party on the Roberto Clemente Bridge -- and, of course, the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks show.
For a complete listing of events, visit
www.threeriversregatta.net.
High-Wire Walker Wows Pittsburgh Crowd
Famed high-wire walker Nik Wallenda successfully completed a 1,084-foot walk -- the longest walk in his career -- over the Allegheny River on Friday night. The walk, which is believed to be a first in the city, was done without a safety net 150 feet above the water.
"I love when the crowd goes crazy when I do a kneel-down or something. I love that," he said. "Obviously, being a performer my entire life, that's what I do it for, audience appreciation."
Video: 
The Prep | The Walk
Slideshow: Just A Walk In The ... Pittsburgh SkyWTAE Channel 4 Action News’ Janelle Hall was at the regatta on Friday and it was clear that Wallenda’s act was the talk of the town.
“We weren't planning to stay this evening but after seeing the wire Wallenda is going to walk across, we want to stay around and catch that,” said Joe Postich, of Chippewa.
Wallenda walked the wire in his stocking feet because the wire was greasy. He said his feet are sore, but he's glad he did it that way.
"Every time I do this, I'm risking my life. There is a chance something serious could happen," he said.
"I feel a little nervous but I know that he's more than capable and he's been doing this since he was 4," said Wallenda's wife, Erendira.
The wire dipped 18 feet in the middle, forcing Wallenda to climb during the second half of the walk. Near the end, he would kneel down for a full minute and you could see him swaying in the wind, WTAE Channel 4's Jon Greiner reported.
"As I got in and stopped for that long pause, that's because the wire was shaking so much, there was no other choice," Wallenda said. "I just had to stay there and wait. Also, my arms were really getting tight because I had to balance so much because of the wind."
As Wallenda made it safely across, the crowd was thrilled and relieved.
"I think I was very surprised the speed at which he came across. We weren't sure with the weather, the winds. So, it was scary. An adrenaline rush for all of us watching," said Lisa Tagliati, a spectator.
Once again, Nik Wallenda had risked his life and won.
"It was an amazing walk. It felt amazing. The view was amazing. As I said, what an honor it is and I'm very thrilled to be back on the ground again," Wallenda said.
Live Music Headline Performance Events
A number of bands are lined up to play throughout the weekend, with performances starting on Friday at noon.
"It's free, it's family-oriented and it's fun. We expect somewhere between 350,000 and 400,000 spectators and we're just absolutely convinced this is going to be the best regatta this city has ever scene," said Regatta board chairman John Bonassi.
Another favorite event will be the Red, White and Zoom Water Ski Stunt Show, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
New Event At 2009 Regatta
This year marks the first time dragon boat races will be a part of the regatta.
The 2008 event featured a demonstration of the sport, but this year teams will compete in several heats leading up to the finals.
The sport, which originated in China, has a large international following and is growing in popularity in the United States.
The Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Challenge begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday in the Allegheny River, east of the Fort Duquesne Bridge.
Along with enjoying the races, spectators will have a chance to see three world-class athletes in action. Three paddlers with the
Steel City Dragons club have made the U.S. National Dragon Boat Team, which will compete in the 2009 World Dragon Boat races in Prague at the end of August.
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