The weekend of July 3 - 5 marks the 59th anniversary of unlimited hydroplane racing in Madison, Indiana and race fans will be here watching the unlimited hydros vie for the ABRA sanctioned Madison Regatta Indiana Governor's Cup Trophy.

Local fans are eagerly awaiting the battles among these thundering 200-mph-plus competitors to see whether the hometown team, Oh Boy! Oberto / Miss Madison, will be ready to defend their 2008 ABRA National High Points Championship while wearing the U-1 designation for the first time in its long-storied history. Eleven of the world's fastest race boats are ready to race deck-to-deck along the 2 1/2-mile Bill Cantrell Memorial Race Course to capture the Indiana Governor's Cup Trophy.

Time trials and testing occur on Friday and Saturday with the first sets of heat racing on Saturday starting at 1:30pm with more heat racing all day Sunday, leading up to the final heat for the Indiana Governor's Cup at 4:20 p.m. (EDT). Heat Sponsors for this year's Madison Regatta include Budweiser, Clifty Engineering & Tool Company, Midwest Tube Mills, Morgan Foods, and Time Warner Cable, with Associate Sponsors being Budweiser, Lowe's Home Improvement, Morgan Foods, and Scott County Visitors Commission. Madison is one of six race cities on the 2009 ABRA Unlimited Hydroplane Racing calendar.

In addition to the unlimited hydroplanes, a very popular event occurring at night on Saturday, July 4 is the American Legion Post No. 9 Fireworks Spectacular. The same company that conducts the world famous "Thunder Over Louisville" will be back and one thing is for sure, music will fill your ears this year!

While talking about entertainment, the Music on the River program kicks-off on Wednesday, July 1 - 8:00pm to 11:00pm, and on Thursday, July 2 - 7:00pm to 11:00pm. Music continues Friday, July 3 - 7:00pm to 11:00 p.m. and also on Saturday, July 4 - 2:00pm to 11:00pm. Thursday's Music schedule includes a Battle of the Bands contest featuring local area artists vying for $100 and recording studio time. Friday and Saturday features many bands each night. Co-Sponsors of the Music on the River program include Arvin Sango, Big O Tires, and Time Warner Cable.

More activities during Regatta Weekend include the Madison Regatta Parade, three days of air shows sponsored by Grote Industries with a twilight air show Saturday night before the fireworks, VFW Post 1969 & Men's Auxiliary driver's autograph sessions on Saturday & Sunday, food and commercial vendors, and activities for kids along the riverfront.

Admission Wristbands to the Madison Regatta are $20 each through June 28 and increases to $25 each on June 29 through the final heat of racing at the gates on Sunday, July 5 at 3:40 p.m. (EDT). A wristband is required for daytime access to Vaughn Drive and the riverfront from 6 a.m. Friday, July 3 until after the final race on Sunday, July 5. Children 10 and under are free. The public can call the Regatta office at 812-265-5000 or visit www.madisonregatta.com to purchase wristbands, or see a list of outlets where they may be purchased.

The Music on the River program for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday require an admission wristband or a $5.00 limited-edition, collectible race boat button that can be bought at the gate. Each night includes a different collectible button used for admission. Saturday night activities are free of charge.

Special seating for viewing the 2009 Madison Regatta includes a VIP Tent area, Hospitality Tent area, Tarp Space areas, and RV Parking to name a few. Pit Tours, sponsored by Comfort Inn of Madison, will be conducted on Friday and Saturday, while Cold Pit Passes can be bought for $20.00. Collector edition Madison Regatta race programs will also be available at $5.00 to keep as souvenirs.

For more information on the activities, race and event schedules, sponsors, merchandise, pricing and ticket information, and much more, call the Regatta office at 812-265-5000 or visit www.madisonregatta.com.