CHARLESTON STERNWHEEL REGATTA VOTED BEST FAIR/FESTIVAL/EVENT IN THE METRO VALLEY REGION

(Charleston, W. Va.) – Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, the Regatta Commission, and the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCVB) today announced the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta was voted Best Fair/Festival/Event in the Metro Valley Region during West Virginia Living Magazine’s Best of West Virginia competition.

“Being voted Best Fair/Festival/Event in the Metro Valley Region in its first year back is a tremendous achievement for the team who put together the robust lineup of events, the Regatta Commission, and the volunteers who helped to make the event a success,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “Thank you to everyone who voted for the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. We look forward to welcoming you back for 2023!”   

“This award validates the vision and enthusiasm of the City, the Regatta Commission, our generous sponsors and the public,” said Regatta Commission President Alisa Bailey.  “Our goal is to build on this early success making the Charleston Regatta a much-anticipated celebration year after year. “

"The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta was a massive undertaking but resulted in a massive success,” said Tim Brady, President/CEO of the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our hotels, restaurants and shops all benefitted from Regatta. This award, and others like it, validate the hard work of all of those who contributed. "

The 5-day 2022 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta generated $31,507,883 in economic impact, attracted an estimated 210,000 attendees, and directly supported an estimated 5,978 jobs. Of the estimated 210,000 attendees, 71% were local attendees and 29% were out-of-town attendees (traveling from at least 50 miles away). Hotel occupancy is estimated to have been at 95% -- for a total of 15,440 total room nights.

Best of West Virginia is West Virginia Living magazine’s annual reader survey to discover the current best in travel, restaurants, retail, recreation, and more.

Charleston Sternwheel Regatta received the Mountain State Award which recognizes an event that stands above the rest in programming, marketing, and impact during the Stars of the Industry Awards at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in September 2022.