Madison residents asked to nominate candidates for city’s first “Pup Mayor”
Booth at Madison Street Festival will accept nominations
MADISON – They are often called “man’s best friend” for good reason. As pets, dogs offer unconditional love and support, serving as loyal companions and protectors. Personal service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to aid a person with a physical or sensory disability. In places such as Madison City Schools campuses and even the Huntsville International Airport, working canines are on staff improving mental and physical health while providing emotional comfort.
Now thanks to a new organization in Madison, residents will get a chance to honor this loyal companion by selecting one lucky canine as the city’s first “Pup Mayor”.
The fun election process to name the city’s first canine “unofficial” official, is being led by Main Street Madison. Kicked off in July, the organization connects the city of Madison, particularly its historic downtown, to the greater Main Street network in Alabama and across the nation, which has been helping strengthen and re-energize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts for more than 45 years.
Although it is connected to the state and national program, each Main Street organization takes on a localized approach, driven by local business owners, community leaders and volunteers — and dependent on local funding from generous partners and supporters, along with creative fundraisers.
When deciding on the first fundraising effort for the new organization Main Street Madison’s new executive director landed on an idea that she hopes will spark a sense of excitement right out of the gate.
“We are excited to have this Pup Mayor election as a fun way for our community to come together, celebrate our pets, enjoy our downtown and get excited about the continued revitalization of our downtown,” said Jen DeLessio.
For this fundraiser, anyone in Madison can register their dog to run for mayor by paying a $25 entry fee. Registration is open through the Main Street Madison website, www. mainstreetmadison.org. It closes on Oct. 4.
A booth will be available at Saturday’s Madison Street Festival to accept registrations.
The election fun can be followed on social media through Main Street Madison’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Each pup candidate will be featured along with information on how to cast a vote for your favorite pup.
DeLessio said the idea came from Main Street members, Brenda and Roderick Matthews, who are owners of the Bellehouse Event Center in downtown Madison. They heard of Starkville Mississippi’s “Pet Mayor” election, and the excitement it brings to that city. According to Paige Watson, director for Main Street in Starkville, the pet election has helped to build camaraderie and community spirit for their city — a common goal of Main Street Madison.
The funds raised will be used for the Pup Mayor events and support beautification and historic preservation initiatives in the downtown area.
Voting for the Pup Mayor will take place during Oct. with weekly updates on Main Street Madison’s social media platforms. Each vote costs $1 and there is no limit to the number of votes. “You will also be able to cast votes downtown, just look for QR codes to easily cast votes using your phone,” DeLessio said. “There will also be ‘I voted for Pup Mayor’ stickers available for $1.” A special “Pup Rally” will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, along Main Street in downtown Madison. It will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. The rally will include a pup parade of candidates, vendors and extended shopping at downtown businesses.
Pup owners are also encouraged to hold individual rallies to solicit votes.
On Nov. 5, there will be a special election and inauguration night “Paw-ty” with a fun pet parade and food trucks. It will be held at Homeplace Park.
The Pup Mayor will have important duties throughout the year like appearances at Main Street Madison events, ribbon cuttings and meet-and-greets. “We hope this will be a fun annual event for the community to celebrate our beloved pets and our beautiful downtown,” DeLessio said.
Sponsorships for the Madison Pup Mayor are available. Contact Jen DeLessio at 256-203-6340 or jen.delessio@mainstreetmadison. org for more information.
