Annual Madison Regatta in southern Indiana, weekend full of events

Madison, Indiana – For the first day of the annual Madison Regatta boats hit the water on Friday in southern Indiana.

This is the 72nd year for the hydroplane boat races, one of the largest in the U.S.

On Saturday, heat races start, and racing will continue all weekend, with the Governor’s Cup wrapping it up on Sunday.

The event draws people from all over the country. “I’ve been coming here my whole life,” Rich Jones, of Cincinnati, said. “We kind of make a weekend of it now where we buy the VIP tickets.”

This weekend, the Roostertail Music Festival is also happening, with vendors, camping, food, artists, and fireworks.

“There is no other fan base in the sport that has that much passion behind the team, and truly I can walk anywhere in town and people recognize me as the driver of the boat,” said Jimmy Shane, Unlimited Hydroplane driver of Miss HomeStreet. “And it’s just a wonderful feeling to be a part of that tradition, that history of this wonderful town.”

This year, it’s looking like it’ll be a good year, organizers said. Guests can also expect more boats this year.

According to organizers, they wouldn’t be able to do this without all of the volunteers making it happen.

Different passes are available for Saturday and Sunday, ranging from $45-$250.

Camping tickets start at $40.