Charleston Sternwheel Regatta brings dozens of vendors to state capital

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – The City of Charleston is hard at work preparing for the Sternwheel Regatta, which kicks off this week on July 3. The event has a lot to celebrate, from live music and fireworks to amusement park rides and food vendors.

Several vendors were out on Kanawha Boulevard Tuesday setting up for the event. The owners of Holy O’s Mini Donuts and Bandit BBQ WV, told 13 News how they prepare for an event as massive as the Regatta, and what this kind of event means for their businesses.

“Last year we did sell out on our very last day right down to the very last donut. But everybody got service, and everybody got what they ordered so it was a big success for us and we enjoyed being here at the Regatta,” says Bobbi Calvert, Owner of Holy O’s Mini Donuts.

Calvert is one of the many small business owners who benefit from the Regatta and says that the Regatta helps sustain the business all year. She says that to prepare for an event as large as the Regatta, they start preparing their food two weeks in advance and keep inventory high so that customers receive as fast service as possible.

“One of our biggest events, and we look very forward to it. We rely on this event here,” says Owner of Bandit BBQ WV Stephen Groves.

Last year’s Reatta generated more than $37 million worth of revenue. Vendors this year are excited to see exactly what to expect from the upcoming festivities.

“Just come out and see us because you gotta Regatta, right?” says Manager of Bandit BBQ WV Laura Cook.

Cook and Groves say that they are excited about the Regatta’s fun activities, but they are most excited to meet new people and serve their food.

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