The long-awaited return of the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta is underway with more events planned through the weekend. It’s been more than a decade since Charleston last held the event. Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau president Tim Brady estimates around 25,000 people will attend the five day festival. And while that’s a fraction of the estimated 100,000 people that attended Regatta in the 1980s, Brady said the city’s $1 million investment in this year’s event will bring in a major economic boost. Hotels are at about 85% occupancy for the weekend. Events include concerts, carnival rides, sternwheel boat races and more.