We love those "OPEN" flags!

Madison's Main Street is alive with visitors. "What's going on?" deadpanned one of our long-time merchants.

It's Regatta Week, of course!

Much as we love hydroplane racing, we have to admit that no one can be on the river 24/7. There's a lot of spillover.

That's why it's so important that downtown stores keep their "OPEN" signs flying throughout the holiday weekend. And more and more of them are doing so. We talked to a couple of them this week -- Joan's, a delightful home decor shop at 131 E. Main St., and Fine Threads/Little People Boutique, a women's and children's clothing store at 232 E. Main St. They stay open EVERY weekend because they know that's when people have the time and inclination to shop.

Shopping IS a recreational activity!

Marci Jones at the Visitors Center (also open all weekend!) is keeping track of which stores are open. If you want to give her a call, it's 800-559-2956.

Or just look for the colorful "OPEN" flags. They are reassuring us that Madison is "open for business."