Madison Street Festival’s staff focused on reopening
MADISON – For two years, residents have regretted cancellations of Madison Street Festival because of COVID-19 cases. After the two-year hiatus, the festival will return on Oct. 1 with all the street-party spirit that makes the event so special.
“Registration has opened for our vendor areas. Our planning for the 2022 festival is in full swing,” MSF President Crystal McBrayer said.
“The MSF (Steering Committee) is excited to be back and to host this FREE-to-the-public festival with a little something for everyone,” McBrayer said. “Come and CELEBRATE being back for our 40th festival in historic downtown Madison on Oct. 1, starting with our parade kickoff at 9 a.m.”
The festival has numerous components with volunteers coordinating the areas:
* Artist Alley — Juried art exhibit of high-quality, award-winning original works of art. Artists will present pottery, raku, photography, glass, woodworking, literature, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and metalsmithing. Coordinator, Amber Keyes.
* Business Showcase — Businesses and organizations, for-profit and non-profit, explaining and demonstrating their work. On Front Street, Business Showcase will inform residents on a wide variety of products and services. Coordinator, Erica DeSpain.
* Children’s Area – In new location on Maple Street in MSF’s Interact Zone. Youngsters can enjoy free arts, crafts, games and entertainment. The Animal Discovery Zone will delight 12-year-olds and younger. “From magic and animal balloons, to face painting and making crafts, you’ll find it all in the Children’s Area,” McBrayer said. Coordinators, Hallie Kenny and Amberlee Peterson.
* Crafters Cove – Showcases unique handmade items that embody the craftsperson’s creativity and skill. Possible merchandise includes hair bows; clothing for children and women, along with dolls; wreaths; jewelry; wooden pallet creations; yard art; ceramics; cigar box guitars; dog clothing and collars; candles; wooden toys; up-cycled items; knitted and crocheted items. Coordinators, Brenda Parker and Susan Bailey.
* Community Showcase – Gives a stage for performing art groups on Main Street. A perennial crowd favorite. Coordinator, Cheri Volkin.
* Entertainment Stage – “This stage is all about the musicians and will be located on Church Street beside Madison Methodist,” McBrayer said. Coordinators, Beth Heflin and Tuyet Clark.
* Exhibits – Features displays that are both visual and hands-on. The Exhibits area is kid-friendly and will be set up in the Village Green on Front Street. Coordinator, Debbie Overcash.
* Food – Various vendors, food trucks and new area for Cottage Law Vendors. Main Street and Wise Street will have most food choices; other vendors will be positioned throughout the festival. Coordinator, Karen Denzine.
* MidTown Madison – New area staffed with Madison Mayor; Madison City Council; employees in Public Works, Engineering, Police and Fire departments; Madison Police Citizens Advisory Committee; and Madison Chamber of Commerce. This site is adjacent to North Alabama Gas near Church and Front streets’ intersection (former site of Children’s Area). Coordinator, Samantha Magnuson.
* Parade – Using “CELEBRATE” as 2022 theme. Kicking off the festival, MSF Parade starts at Insanity Complex and proceeds to Mill Road; Church, Front and Sullivan streets; and disperses at First Baptist Church of Madison. The parade concludes with opening ceremony on Church Street’s Entertainment Stage. Coordinator, Debbie Hoover.
* Car Show – Hosted by Vets with Vettes. Car enthusiasts will revel at sedan, trucks and other vehicles. The show site will be in Garner Street’s parking lot. Coordinator, Ted Whitney.
* Sponsorship Row – “Meet all our wonderful sponsors who have supported MSF for 2022. Booths will be located down Church Street,” McBrayer said. Coordinators, Keegan Mumaw, Alicia Winkle, Emily Garay and Stephanie Cravens.
* Student Art Tent – Spotlights artwork of students in Madison City Schools and private schools. These brilliant young artists create superior designs. The Art Tent will be in the Interact Zone, off Maple Street. Coordinator, Deborah Burke.
* Teen Area – Targets youth from 12 to 18 years old. Interactive demos will cover how to play chess, introducing robotics, STEM activities and more. Coordinators, Melissa Cain, Ashley Sewell and Rachel Doherty.
* Volunteers – Sign-in spot for festival volunteers, who make the event possible. The Just Serve organization recruits volunteers for set up, any needs during the festival and tear down. Coordinators, Cathy Larsen and Charity Stratton.
* Information – Centralized spot for questions during the festival, such as directions or entertainment schedules, in MSF Information Trailer at Church and Front streets.
“Many committee members work behind the scenes to make the festival successful — from logistics, planning, publicity to hospitality – for all areas to work together,” McBrayer said.
For more information, email msf.questions@gmail.com or visit madisonstreetfestival.org, Facebook/Madison Street Festival or instagram.com/madisonstreetfestival.
