Dan West – Mayor of Palmetto
You won’t find the Andy Williams song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” playing on the radio three weeks into January, once most people have packed away their Christmas decorations. But that’s the song that’s been running through my head lately as Palmetto takes center stage for so many great community events.
Over the weekend, we were proud to have the annual MLK Jr. Parade march proudly through the heart of Palmetto. And of course we’ve come to the midpoint of the Manatee County Fair. Chilly daytime weather is behind us now, and I encourage everyone to get to the fairgrounds before the Fair leaves town. You can purchase tickets, get hours and preview livestock shows on the Fair’s website, www.manateecountyfair.com.
Palmetto is proud to host this annual tradition, and I’m especially proud of the young people who commit many long hours to raising healthy animals and plants for local consumers. It’s a little bittersweet when the Fair leaves town, but there’s even more fun in store for Palmetto in February. The Palmetto Main Street Motor Fest Car Show rolls into downtown Palmetto on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sutton Park. Visitors can enjoy classic cars, custom rides, and a fun day together. Hosted by Palmetto Downtown Main Street, the event supports downtown revitalization and benefits Feeding Empty Little Tummies (F.E.L.T.).
Motor Fest is a great example of how Palmetto brings people together while giving back to the community. On Feb. 14 we have the 2026 Multicultural Festival planned at Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E., Palmetto. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this free family-friendly event is going to have food, music and lots of friendly faces. This year’s theme is “Unity in the Community,” and we’ll celebrate the many cultures that thrive in Palmetto and Manatee County.
One week after that, Palmetto joins Bradenton to play co-hosts of the annual Bradenton Area River Regatta. The Regatta kicks off on Friday, Feb. 20 at 5:15 p.m. with music and fireworks. Saturday features a full day of family-friendly fun including the DeSoto Little Anglers Fishing Tournament at the Palmetto Pier, a vintage powerboat exhibit, appearances by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Street Team and Lightning’s Rolling Thunder, and a U.S. Army and National Guard Family Fun Zone with food festival and kids’ games at Riverside West Park. All that day there’s excitement, family activities, fan experiences, food and exhibits at Riverside West Park alongside nonstop high-speed powerboat racing on the Manatee River. Check out https://bradentonarearegatta.com/schedule/ for all the details! With so many opportunities to gather and celebrate, it’s easy to see why this season feels like one of Palmetto’s most wonderful times of the year.
