2020 Madison Regatta Cancelled – To Return in 2021
The Madison Regatta, known as one of Indiana’s treasured yearly events was finally added to the list of sporting events affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus). With only two and a half months until race time and with the recent cancellation of the Guntersville Lake Hydrofest, State of Indiana executive orders, and CDC guidance on postponing mass gatherings – the pressure to make a decision from race teams, vendors, and fans waived heavily upon the Madison Regatta Board of Directors. At Wednesday’s board meeting, Regatta President Matt True and the Board of Directors voted to postpone the 2020 Madison Gold Cup Regatta and the 3rd annual Roostertail Music Festival by one year to July 1 – 4, 2021. After consideration of other potential dates in 2020, it was determined that our best course of action would be to postpone.
The decision was not made lightly. President Matt True, whom also serves on the Indiana State Festival Association (ISFA) board and representative for the southeastern region of Indiana, has been in an abundance of meetings, phone calls, and researching not just about Regatta but many other events. He explained “Event organizers are all being faced with the same questions and unknowns as we are. Being on the ISFA has allowed me to expand my knowledge of other events around the state, and what they are facing. Making this announcement to postpone the 70th anniversary of the Regatta raises feelings of disappointment and frustration, but it’s all about safety first. We truly have to put our energy into 2021 planning, and we have the best team to do so.”
Race and Music fans that purchased 2020 tickets can expect an email indicating ticket transfer over to the 2021 event dates, July 1-4. More information will be available in coming weeks. Chairpersons for RVs, Tents, Vendors, and the like will be reaching out to discuss 2021.
The Board of Directors would like to thank all of the Madison Regatta and Roostertail stakeholders, partners, sponsors, vendors, race teams, Visit Madison, Inc. as well as the City of Madison for their support during this difficult time. President of Grand Prix America, Dean Rojas added “On behalf of Grand Prix America Hydroplane series we offer our support to the Madison Regatta on the difficult decision to postpone the Madison event. Grand Prix America has continually enjoyed visiting Madison on the banks of the Ohio river for many years. We look forward to supporting the Madison Regatta for years to come and bring our loud Grand Prix boats to entertain fans, sponsors, and the entire community.”
Miss Madison boat driver Jimmy Shane also weighed in, “I am very saddened to hear of the cancellation of the 2020 Madison Gold Cup Regatta. In these uncertain times it is disappointing to hear the news, but very understandable with our current environment. There are larger issues at stake around us and the safety of our loved ones is the most important. I can assure you that the Miss Madison racing team is looking forward to whatever the future may hold and we are set to continue our goals as an elite Motorsports team. Madison, Indiana is an important part to our success and we want to keep it that way by keeping everyone safe. I would like to personally thank the entire Madison Regatta staff for all their efforts in this trying time and we look forward to supporting Regatta in defense of our Gold Cup championship at a later time. Thank You. Better times are ahead for all of us.”
Mayor Bob Courtney added “The exact timing of when we will come out of this public health emergency is unknown so in following prior actions we have taken regarding festivals and events, it is prudent for the Madison Regatta Committee to take this step at this time. Planning an event as significant as the Madison Regatta involves substantial investment and resources. There is no doubt that the long tradition of the Madison Regatta will continue into the future.”
About Madison Regatta:
The Madison Regatta has been held annually for 69 years along the Ohio River and is one of the largest hydroplane boat races in the United States. Extreme hydroplane racing features the H1 Unlimited, Grand National, National Modified, and Grand Prix racing series typically held the first weekend in July around Independence Day. The City of Madison and the Regatta host events all week leading up to the Regatta. Including Regatta Pageants, Fire Station Water Ball Fight, 10K Run/Walk, Roostertail Music Festival, Patriotic Regatta Parade, and Fireworks display. For more information visit www.MadisonRegatta.com. Follow on social media at: Facebook: @MadisonRegatta, Twitter: @MadisonRegatta, and Instagram: @MadisonRegattaInc.
About Roostertail Music Festival:
Indiana’s fastest growing Alternative Rock/Outlaw Country music festival paired with the fastest boats in the world during the Madison Regatta. Facebook @RoostertailMusicFest, Twitter @RoostertailFest, and Instagram @RoostertailMusicFest.
2020 Madison Regatta Cancelled – To Return in 2021
The Madison Regatta, known as one of Indiana’s treasured yearly events was finally added to the list of sporting events affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus). With only two and a half months until race time and with the recent cancellation of the Guntersville Lake Hydrofest, State of Indiana executive orders, and CDC guidance on postponing mass gatherings – the pressure to make a decision from race teams, vendors, and fans waived heavily upon the Madison Regatta Board of Directors. At Wednesday’s board meeting, Regatta President Matt True and the Board of Directors voted to postpone the 2020 Madison Gold Cup Regatta and the 3rd annual Roostertail Music Festival by one year to July 1 – 4, 2021. After consideration of other potential dates in 2020, it was determined that our best course of action would be to postpone.
The decision was not made lightly. President Matt True, whom also serves on the Indiana State Festival Association (ISFA) board and representative for the southeastern region of Indiana, has been in an abundance of meetings, phone calls, and researching not just about Regatta but many other events. He explained “Event organizers are all being faced with the same questions and unknowns as we are. Being on the ISFA has allowed me to expand my knowledge of other events around the state, and what they are facing. Making this announcement to postpone the 70th anniversary of the Regatta raises feelings of disappointment and frustration, but it’s all about safety first. We truly have to put our energy into 2021 planning, and we have the best team to do so.”
Race and Music fans that purchased 2020 tickets can expect an email indicating ticket transfer over to the 2021 event dates, July 1-4. More information will be available in coming weeks. Chairpersons for RVs, Tents, Vendors, and the like will be reaching out to discuss 2021.
The Board of Directors would like to thank all of the Madison Regatta and Roostertail stakeholders, partners, sponsors, vendors, race teams, Visit Madison, Inc. as well as the City of Madison for their support during this difficult time. President of Grand Prix America, Dean Rojas added “On behalf of Grand Prix America Hydroplane series we offer our support to the Madison Regatta on the difficult decision to postpone the Madison event. Grand Prix America has continually enjoyed visiting Madison on the banks of the Ohio river for many years. We look forward to supporting the Madison Regatta for years to come and bring our loud Grand Prix boats to entertain fans, sponsors, and the entire community.”
Miss Madison boat driver Jimmy Shane also weighed in, “I am very saddened to hear of the cancellation of the 2020 Madison Gold Cup Regatta. In these uncertain times it is disappointing to hear the news, but very understandable with our current environment. There are larger issues at stake around us and the safety of our loved ones is the most important. I can assure you that the Miss Madison racing team is looking forward to whatever the future may hold and we are set to continue our goals as an elite Motorsports team. Madison, Indiana is an important part to our success and we want to keep it that way by keeping everyone safe. I would like to personally thank the entire Madison Regatta staff for all their efforts in this trying time and we look forward to supporting Regatta in defense of our Gold Cup championship at a later time. Thank You. Better times are ahead for all of us.”
Mayor Bob Courtney added “The exact timing of when we will come out of this public health emergency is unknown so in following prior actions we have taken regarding festivals and events, it is prudent for the Madison Regatta Committee to take this step at this time. Planning an event as significant as the Madison Regatta involves substantial investment and resources. There is no doubt that the long tradition of the Madison Regatta will continue into the future.”
About Madison Regatta:
The Madison Regatta has been held annually for 69 years along the Ohio River and is one of the largest hydroplane boat races in the United States. Extreme hydroplane racing features the H1 Unlimited, Grand National, National Modified, and Grand Prix racing series typically held the first weekend in July around Independence Day. The City of Madison and the Regatta host events all week leading up to the Regatta. Including Regatta Pageants, Fire Station Water Ball Fight, 10K Run/Walk, Roostertail Music Festival, Patriotic Regatta Parade, and Fireworks display. For more information visit www.MadisonRegatta.com. Follow on social media at: Facebook: @MadisonRegatta, Twitter: @MadisonRegatta, and Instagram: @MadisonRegattaInc.
About Roostertail Music Festival:
Indiana’s fastest growing Alternative Rock/Outlaw Country music festival paired with the fastest boats in the world during the Madison Regatta. Facebook @RoostertailMusicFest, Twitter @RoostertailFest, and Instagram @RoostertailMusicFest.