CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - “Regatta is not just a festival, its not. It’s about what Charleston has been and what we are now,” said Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin.

The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta brings in a major economic impact for the city that continues to grow each year.

“This year’s return on investment and our economic impact, 40.1 million dollars,” Goodwin said.

In 2025, an estimated 225,000 people attended the Regatta. It’s estimated that more that 45,000 visitors came from out of state.

Out-of-state visitation grew 20% from 2024 to 2025, and Regatta Commission Chair Andy Richardson said it is because all that Regatta has to offer.

“I think the fact that there is a lot variety with activities for children, silly things like the hot dog eating contest, the funeral parade. I me

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