Madison Street Festival delights crowds on near-perfect day
An estimated 35,000 people of all ages and interests visited the diverse attractions of Madison Street Festival in the downtown historic district on Oct. 7. RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER
Bob Jones High School, James Clemens High School, Lifestyles, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Schools, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
12:39 pm Monday, October 9, 2017

Madison Street Festival delights crowds on near-perfect day

MADISON – Hurricane Nate knew better than to spoil this party.

Ironically, the approaching hurricane delivered Madison Street Festival with warmer-than-normal October temps and a cooling breeze for the many thousands that attended Madison’s largest community event, now in its 37th year.

Captain John Stringer said, after confirmation from MSF President Kyle Mumaw, that a realistic estimate of 35,000 attended the daylong event. “The shuttles alone moved more than 20,000 people,” Stringer said.

“The police department wanted to make sure the event was safe. Even though we’re providing public safety, we’re also enhancing the quality of life of Madison as a whole. People shouldn’t have to worry about public safety or traffic control,” Stringer said.

In the opening parade, units marched under a new, inflated arch, emblazoned with MSF logos and icons. Hundreds of teenagers sacrificed their first day of Fall Break to entertain with electric rhythms of ROTC groups, clubs and the marching bands from James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools and Huntsville Drum Line.

On Main Street, two lookout officers were stationed on the former drug store’s roof “for a good vantage point for the entire street festival,” Stringer said. “Two lost children were found within minutes.” In total, 20 reserve and full-time officers patrolled downtown streets.

Children potted take-home petunias with Junior League helpers. Local entertainers played upbeat rock, jazz and anything-goes tunes on two stages. Mom-and-pop entrepreneurs, church members and a myriad of vendors endorsed their products.

Quality painting, sculpture and other designs impressed visitors to Artists Alley. Fans of ‘heavy muscle’ and shiny chrome were impressed with the Car and Bike Show.

“The police department had a good plan in place for a partnership with the Madison Street Festival Committee, Parks and Recreation Department and Madison Fire and Rescue Department. We appreciate the community involvement,” Stringer said.

Many visitors headed directly to Crafters Cove for the latest decorating trends in signage painted with humorous and sentimental quotes, wall hangings and wreathes celebrating the season or favorite college alma mater. Re-purposing was a popular theme, transforming discarded items into have-to-have decor. Little princesses were attracted to ‘swag,’ like glitzy headbands.

Morgan Stanfill, owner of Kendry Collection, sold her jewelry for the first time. “This weekend was such a success, and I just wanted to reach out to let you know that I thought MSF was an amazing experience for me as a vendor,” Stanfill said. “The volunteer helpers were absolute lifesavers, and I couldn’t have gotten my booth setup so quick without them.”

“Looking forward to returning next year!” Stanfill said.

For information, visit madisontreetfestival.org.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *