‘Celebrate Madison’ attracted residents to Toyota Field in a time of community gratitude
MADISON – It wasn’t the Fourth of July, but that atmosphere of patriotism and community spirit prevailed at Celebrate Madison 2025.
Madison Chamber of Commerce hosted the free event on Thursday at Toyota Field for a time to salute the progress of Madison in education, commerce, entertainment and military connections.
META presented the event, which included Paul Finley’s last delivery for his “State of the City” address before leaving office in November. Ranae Bartlett then will transition to lead the city as mayor.
Finley reported on the city’s latest successes, ongoing, projects and planned improvements for Madison. “Celebrate Madison is a great opportunity to come together as a community,” Finley said. “It’s a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished, and turn the page to Madison’s next bright chapter.”
“Celebrate Madison is one of our favorite traditions. This annual celebration is our pinnacle event of the year and offers numerous opportunities to connect with the community,” Chamber President Michelle Epling said.
The event is “a true reflection of our city’s spirit — where families, neighbors and local businesses all come together to celebrate what makes Madison such a special place,” Epling said.
The award for “2025 Madison Military Family of the Year” honored the Sigler family.
Col. Jason Sigler and Brooke Sigler are parents of five sons: Jacob, Thomas, Luke, Micah and Caleb. “This family truly embodies service, resilience and community,” according to Madison Chamber of Commerce.
The Siglers moved to Madison in 2019 and have focused their time and energy into local schools, church and youth programs — all while navigating the challenges of military life with grace and faith.
Lt. Col. Sigler graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and has served the country for more than 20 years with the U.S. Army and continues to lead with honor and humility. The Siglers’ twin sons, Jacob and Thomas, were inspired by their father’s example and are now cadets at West Point.
In Madison, Brooke Sigler anchors the family as a teacher at Madison Elementary School. She serves as leader of the Student 2 Student or S2S program. Brooke’s work helped the school earn its Purple Star designation for excellence in supporting military-connected children.
“The Siglers represent the very best of faith, family and service — while strengthening our community and inspiring us all to love where we live and serve where we stand,” according to the chamber.
Signalink Inc. with Steve and Alice Lessmann sponsored the 2025 Madison Military Family of the Year Along the concourse, representatives of local businesses discussed and demonstrated their services to the audience Children explored The Kids Zone for a fun experience while releasing energy.
The fireworks exposition, sponsored by Huntsville Utilities, was the evening’s finale. The pyrotechnics were “the perfect way to end a night of celebration and community spirit,” Epling said.
For more information about the Madison Chamber of Commerce, go to www.madisonalchamber. com.
