Madison Street Festival returns downtown next Saturday
MADISON – Get ready for one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Madison Street (MSF) will return to the quaint, historic streets of downtown Madison next Saturday, Oct. 5 Marking its 42nd year, the Madison Street Festival, has something for everyone. The event is carefully curated to provide a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all ages and interests. It includes a hometown parade; entertainment by local musicians; handmade decor, clothing, jewelry and many other items for sale; pieces of fine art; collector vehicles for car buffs; irresistible carnival food; amusements and interactive activities for children; and booth after booth of neighbors promoting their businesses, personal interests and community clubs.
“Madison Street Festival is a free community event with live entertainment, performing arts, areas showcasing local businesses, arts and crafts galore, dedicated zones for kids and teens, festival food, sponsor exhibits and fun surprises around every corner,” according to the MSF website, madisonstreetfestival.org.
A traditional favorite, the MSF Kickoff Parade will start at 9 a.m. at Insanity Complex and reach Church Street for the focused route. When the parade ends, the opening ceremony will be held on the main stage.
“Come ready to shop ’til you drop, learn something new, unleash your creativity and make unforgettable family memories,” according to MSF leaders.
A shuttle service – which is free – will transport people to the festival from Crosspointe Church at 78 Hughes Road and Madison City Schools Stadium at 211 Celtic Drive.
From 8:45 to 10 a.m., the Crosspointe Church shuttle will drop off at a different spot at the festival. Anyone who rides during this time should go to the Maple Street shuttle stop to catch a ride back.
Assisted Ride buses also will be available. Another option is parking at the stadium and walking a short distance to enter the festival on Wise Street.
The festival features Artist Alley with visual arts, photography, sculpture and more; Crafters Cove vendors who have designed and created everything from hand-sewn blankets to wreaths; Business Showcase that features the many entrepreneurs in the Madison area; food vendors who sell snacks, sandwiches, plates and desserts and all types of mouth-watering fare; and Community Showcase with organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, that will showcase their services, products and outreach.
Two separate areas, the Children’s Area and the Teen Area, will attract youth to activities and entertainment that interest their age group. Expect plenty of surprises and smiles in these two divisions of the street festival.
“Mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with love, laughter and community spirit at the Madison Street Festival!” MSF President Crystal McBrayer said.
“Curious about what makes the Madison Street Festival such a tradition? Go to our website at madisonstreetfestival. org and explore,” McBrayer said.
The Maduison Recvord will publish a guide to this year’s festival in the Oct. 2 print edition and online at www.themadisonrecord. com.
