CHARLESTON, W.Va. — 2025 was another successful year for the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.

City officials announced Thursday that the four-day event generated a return on investment and economic impact of $40.1 million, which is up slightly from 2024.

In addition, the Regatta welcomed an estimated 225,000 attendees, with 78 percent of those coming from out of state.

“That’s what we want to see, especially those hotel numbers,” Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said.

Data presented Thursday also showed that over 30 percent of spending in the city during the Regatta went to local establishments.

Goodwin says the Regatta makes the Capitol City thrive.

“It’s not just a festival. It is for our community. It is for our businesses,” she said. “Yes, it’s about having something great to do for our re

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