The day starts with a parade!

MADISON – No doubt, you’ll recognize someone at the Madison Street Festival Parade. Odds are you’ll be surprised at the number of neighbors, co-workers, your children’s friends and other acquaintances involved with the parade, and you’ll get to see them.

The MSF Parade is one of Madison’s favorite traditions. The parade officially launches the day of community celebration at the festival. Kick-off time is 9 a.m. on Oct. 3.

The parade route will start at Madison City Hall, where all units will assemble and line up. The units will enter Mill Road and head west to take a left (south) on Church Street. Proceeding through the historic district, the parade will turn right (west) on Front Street and then turn right (north) on Sullivan Street. Units will proceed to Madison Elementary School on College Street and disband at the school.

“As with past festivals, the MSF Parade is a big, joyous celebration of the City of Madison — its people, history, traditions and culture,” Lisa LaCoste Clayton said. She is Chair for the 2026 parade.

Clayton’s first experience with the MSF Planning Committee was in February 2011 through October 2014. “I moved back to California in 2014 for career reasons and returned permanently to Madison in September 2022. In 2023, Debbie Overcash with the festival asked me about helping Debbie Hoover with the parade, which I did. Debbie Hoover retired from MSF that year,” Clayton said.

“Since 2024, I have had the honor and privilege of carrying on Debbie Hoover’s legacy, the MSF Parade. Legacy and tradition motivate, but the really big motivator is the parade itself — the participants, volunteers, city’s support and, of course, the parade goers,” Clayton said.

“Everybody LOVES the MSF Parade! They look forward to the parade and turn out every year, so how could I not do my part to keep it going?” she said.

As of mid-August, this year’s parade had 22 entries. Registration has been brisk, with many units returning and several new groups that joined. Clayton said she expected to have more sign-ups before registration closed on Aug. 31, 2026.

Following an annual tradition, bands in Madison City Schools’ high schools alternate appearances each year. In 2025, Bob Jones High School Marching Band performed in the parade. “This year, we’ll ask James Clemens High School Marching Band to pump up the parade with their formation, steps and big, bold sound. Bring on the band!” Clayton said.

Spectators can cheer for their local sports teams who are marching. Huntsville Havoc Hockey and Rocket City Trash Pandas will attend with players and mascots. “The Trash Pandas have supported the MSF Parade since they arrived in town. The Havoc athletes are MSF parade veterans, with years of support. And they show up strong, with 30-35 members marching in the parade. We are grateful for their continuous support and participation. Go Havoc!! Go Trash Pandas!!” Clayton said.

Several high-stepping dance groups with numerous members (in adult groups and in children’s groups) will entertain paradegoers with their dazzling costumes, dance routines, music and their own version of dynamic sounds. “It will truly be a fun, festive atmosphere. Let the party begin!” Clayton said.

Two large groups with youth will have 25 to 30 members each. Madison Home School Rockets is a resource group for homeschooling families. With a 28-year history, Alexander’s Martial Arts has both children and adults as students at its center.

Two more large groups for children are Southern Sensations Dance Studio and Project Dance, each with 30 to 50 individuals. “Both offer training in all types of dance for toddlers through young adults. Project Dance also offers classes for young boys,” Clayton said.

Impulse Performing Arts Studio, a large dance studio, will bring 40 marchers to the parade. “KidStrong, another new group, will march this year and offers various classes for kids 1 to 11 years that strive to build strength, confidence and character,” Clayton said.

For teenage participation, “The Divas of Royalty are a large, high-stepping dance team that has graced the MSF Parade for several years. They’re a 501(c)3 for teens through twelfth grade,” Clayton said. “Their mission is to provide teen girls with the tools they’ll need to make positive life choices.”

Clayton is proud that numerous groups will entertain and fire up this year’s parade: Divas of Royalty, Blue Belles, Impulse Performing Arts Studio, Project Dance, Rocket City Red Hots, Southern Sensations Dance Studio, Dazzlin’ Dymes Competition Dance Team, Rocket City Novas, La Di Diamonds and Rocket City Starlets. Most groups will march between 30 to 50 members strong in the parade.

Clayton expressed two sentiments to loyal parade fans: “First, thank you for supporting the MSF Parade. You are awesome. We couldn’t do this parade year after year without your enthusiasm and support.”

“And secondly, we look forward to seeing you and razzle-dazzling you again with this year’s MSF Parade as we come together again to celebrate everything Madison. See you on the First Saturday in October.”