MORGANTOWN — Canoe and paddleboard races, food and music, and a mix of other water activities drew about 400 people to Cheat Lake Saturday for the second Annual Cheat Lake Regatta held at Crab Shack Caribba.
A fundraiser for Cheat Lake Rotary, the day included a “Zero-K Race” after party with live music, food and drinks.
Jordon Feathers, president of the Cheat Lake Rotary, said since last year’s inaugural regatta, the event has grown a lot. Last year, they were not sure what to expect, but merited around $14,000 to put back into their charity budget. Looks like this year, figures will be about $20,000-$21,000.
“That has grown and we’re hoping to continue this to be a yearly event,” he said. “Obviously, the weather helped us out today. It was predicted to not be good weather but it turned out to be good weather. We’ve had great participation.”
The Zero-K race, which Feathers called “all the fun without the run” was in full swing by Saturday afternoon. People were chilling out on the deck at Crab Shack Caribba, listening to the PopShop. The PopShop is a nonprofit that promotes music education and talent.
The money raised by the Cheat Lake Rotary stays local, going into scholarships at University High School and helping with a mobile dental clinic for area students. The Rotary is also about to start a beautification project at the end of the Ices Ferry Bridge.
“It’s always evolving and basically we take community requests and if they have a particular need our Board of Directors goes through those needs and determines what we can help out our community with,” he said.
Feathers said the day is bringing a community together for a common cause and the Rotary wants people to come out and see what Cheat Lake has to offer. Alongside the fun, it’s about giving back.
“We like to have fun with each other and that’s what’s really cool about our Cheat Lake Rotary Club is we have a lot of fun,” he said.
Bron Kayal, owner/operated of Crab Shack Caribba and head of the Regatta Committee, was happy with the turn out. He said they would likely feed between 350-400 people Saturday.
“It’s a family friendly event, and the biggest thing is this is the biggest fundraising event for Cheat Lake Rotary. We raise all the funds for the charitable and community work we do in the area,” he said, “and it’s a good cause, and having a lot of fun with it,” he said.
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