Cortez Fish Fest, Beer Fest and Knight Parade with Jerry Springer (interview) in Ybor City make for wild weekend

Party people who attended last night's Get Down Downtown bash have a wonderfully long, wild weekend ahead of 'em.

HERALD FILE PHOTO Thousands of people fill the streets during last year’s Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. The popular annual event, which features musical performances, arts and crafts and seafood, is Saturday and Sunday.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/16/3877447/cortez-fishing-festival-turns.html#storylink=cpy

The 30th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is Saturday and Sunday in Manatee County's famed fishing village (read more).

The Fifth annual Beer & Food Truck Festival is also Saturday, on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton (read more).

The Knight Parade is Saturday night in Ybor City with Jerry Springer serving as honorary grand marshal.

Expect thunderous “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” chants Saturday when the Knight Parade rolls through Ybor City.

Springer has been named honorary grand marshal of the annual event considered almost as wild as his famed tabloid talk show.

The Sarasota resident who titled his autobiography “The Ringmaster” (and basically played himself in the movie of the same name) will attempt to tame the rowdy crowd of 100,000-plus by tossing them T-shirts and “Jerry Beads.”

“Think about it,” Springer said. “It’s me. We’re going to have a great time.”

Read more of my interview with Springer.

And here's what's happening on local stages (and here) if street parties aren't your, ah, cup of tea.