2024 Sternwheel Regatta kicks off in Charleston

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – It’s that time again! The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, the Capital City’s biggest summer event, kicked off in Charleston on Wednesday.

The festivities officially got underway at 1 p.m. when the carnival opened , and about 60 food trucks and vendors lined up along the Kanawha Boulevard.

Wednesday’s events included the Wheelwash Beer Festival. and musical performances by MFB Band and the Tom Batchelor Band.

Shaggy headlined the first night at the Haddad Riverfront Park, which had Charleston residents including Chris Wade feeling excited.

“I want to hear Mr. Boombastic. I’m going to go crazy tonight. It’s one of my favorite songs. All of them are really good. I’m looking forward to Vanilla Ice and the 90s as well,” Wade said.

Dennis Harmison, also from Charleston, says what makes Regatta so fun is that there is something for everybody to enjoy.

“You got the vendors, you got the people, you got the fun, you get the entertainment, we’re gonna have fireworks. It’s just a great holiday week,” Harmison said. “What else are you gonna do when you’re in Charleston? You gotta Regatta.”

The Regatta runs through Sunday. Thursday’s events include the Family Fun Zone, BMX Exhibition, Hot Dog Eating Contest, a fireworks show, and a performance by The Fab Four.

For a full list of festivities, check out the Regatta website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.