The 2018 New Martinsville Area RegattaFest scheduled for Sept. 29-30 is the direct descendant of the New Martinsville Regatta which originated in 1938. As an integral part of the area’s culture for all these years, the event was originally started by a group of energetic citizens who wanted to have an Ohio River activity in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of New Martinsville.

Through the years, many famous drivers and celebrities have participated in the storied event including the famous orchestra leader Guy Lombardo. The racecourse is world-famous, this venue holds more than 100 UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) and APBA (American Power Boat Association) straightaway and competition records. Every type of racing boat from the Junior Classes and the kneel-down stock outboards to the giant Unlimited Hydroplanes have raced in New Martinsville throughout the years making the venue and race, an important part of the history of the American Power Boat Association.

Additionally, the conducting APBA Club, New Martinsville’s Powerboat Superleague, has conducted 182 APBA/UIM sanctioned races throughout North America and Europe in the past 31 years. No other recognized club has conducted more races.

On the entertainment side, the regatta has hosted many big names including the Charlie Daniels Band in 1988. In addition to boat racing in 2018, the RegattaFest will feature live music by the Sarah Hayes and Plan B Bands on Saturday night starting at 6 p.m. and New Martinsville native D. J. Spike Riel will be spinning records on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For the kids, there will be many interactive activities and games including the ever-popular inflatables. The Cruiser’s Car Show will be a featured event on Saturday.

The RegattaFest spectator area is the downtown Fireman’s Park on RegattaFest Way along the banks of the Ohio River in New Martinsville, West Virginia. Please remember to bring lawn chairs so that you can easily relax and enjoy the activities. Make plans to join us the last weekend in September. It’s a full weekend, jam-packed with Fast, FREE, Family Fun.