WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Aug. 3, 2017 — Looking for something to do this weekend? Alumnus and adjunct professor in the Gary E. West College of Business John Bonassi invites everyone to visit the EQT Three Rivers Regatta, Pittsburgh this weekend. Bonassi’s official letter of invitation to guests was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette this past Sunday, July 30.
“This is the largest inland Regatta (500,000 spectators!) in America and it’s right in West Liberty University’s backyard,” Bonassi said as he invited all alumni and friends to find out for themselves why it is so much FUN!
The Regatta is devoted to helping people get the most out of the rivers and waterways of Western Pennsylvania through programs that promote water safety and the recreational usage of the rivers by all. It offers three-days of family-friendly excitement and fun that celebrates Pittsburgh.
In addition to events on the water such as the U.S. F1 Powerboat Tour races, Anything That Floats Race and the Lighted Boat Parade, the regatta will be kicking off Pittsburgh’s first Red Bull Flugtag Competition. Spectators will be able to watch as 40 teams test their wings and try to launch themselves across the river off a 22-foot flight deck using homemade flying machines. Flugtag, an international event having developed a viewing public of millions since 1992 in Vienna, Austria where the first Flugtag was launched, is all new this year to the Regatta.
Popular rock group Smash Mouth will perform at 8 p.m., Saturday and other musical acts are scheduled.
For a complete line-up and information on the Regatta, click here and read the Post-Gazette’s coverage. Begun in 1977, the Regatta has a long and
Bonassi earned his bachelor’s degree at West Liberty and his master’s at Duquesne University. He was inducted into the WLU Alumni Wall of Honor in 2000. He also is a member of the WLU Foundation Board.
He is active on many boards in the Pittsburgh in addition to the Regatta, including the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh First Night, Sarah Heinz House, Green Tree Borough Public Library and others. He also served 14 years in service to the Green Tree Borough as councilman, council president and mayor.