PORTERSVILLE — Organizers of the Lake Arthur Regatta predicted that as many as 15,000 people would attend the event last weekend at Moraine State Park.

But on Tuesday they announced that the 18th annual regatta had exceeded their expectations and attracted nearly 18,000 visitors.

In a news release, organizers and board members celebrated the large crowds, saying they were pleased with the regatta’s popularity especially since the EQT Pittsburgh Regatta was on the same weekend.

Organizers of the Lake Arthur event called it “one of the highest attendance draws in recent history.” They credited a laser light show and a lineup of regional musical entertainment for the turnout.