CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - An estimated 2,200 people paddled the Ohio River Saturday as part of the 10th annual Paddlefest, the largest crowd in the event's history.

The 8.2-mile trip from Coney Island Park to the Public Landing in Cincinnati drew 200 more paddlers than it did last year, maintaining Paddlefest's distinction as the largest on-water paddling event in the nation.

Paddlers - mostly in canoes and kayaks -- made their way downstream under sunny skies and relatively cool temperatures, giving Paddlefest and the region a respite from repeated rainfalls.

The U.S. Coast Guard kept the river closed to powerboat and commercial boat traffic for four hours to make conditions safe for the paddlers, who were in an estimated 1,600 boats.

After winning one of Paddlefest's races Saturday, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman of Terrace Park presented a U.S. flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol to Paddlefest Chair and Founder Brewster Rhoads in honor of Paddlefest.

Sen. Rob Portman toured Phase 1 of the construction of the Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park on Monday.

The new 45-acre destination park, formerly known as Cincinnati Riverfront Park, is now under construction between Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park. Construction began in 2008.

Sen. Portman, who requested the site tour, had a significant role in the early days of federal funding of the park as a congressman. During fiscal year 2004, he obtained an authorization in the Energy and WAter Appropriations for planning/engineering and design. This allowed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to count non-federal dollars in planning and design  toward the non-federal cost-sharing requirement.

In 2012, the Cincinnati Park Board is seeking $4.5 million in Corps funding and an expansion of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act authorization from $30 million to $80 million.

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Piano students from around the world will convene at the Aronoff Center for the Arts this week as the World Piano Competition celebrates its 55th anniversary.

The international competition will attract 157 World Semifinalists to Cincinnati in the Young Artist Division June 27-June 30 in the 2011 World Piano Competition.

The World Piano Competition in Cincinnati began in 1956 by Founder and CEO Gloria Ackerman as a competition among 12 students for a $25 prize. Since its start, an estimated 11,000 students have participated in the competition. This year's candidates range from 5 to 18 years old, representing six U.S. regions, with 20 competitors from foreign countries.

Many winners from the World Piano Competition go on to positions at prestigious musical institutions, including Julliard, the Metropolitan Opera and the Tchaikovsky and St. Petersburg Conservatories.