‘Celebrate Madison attracted residents to Toyota Field in a time of community gratitude
MADISON – The atmosphere of patriotism and community spirit prevailed at the Celebrate Madison 2026 event last week.
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 was the presenting sponsor for the event.
“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,” she added.
The award for “2026 Madison Military Family of the Year” honored the Wilson family.
They were honored with an award and spotlight at Celebrate Madison.
Andy and Bryana Wilson have a combined 26 years of military service. Andy and Bryana and their three children continue serving Madison through mentoring, volunteering, running, and fostering children.
“Their service extends far beyond the military, reflecting a lifelong commitment to their family, their neighbors, and the Madison community. Their faith has inspired years of service as youth leaders, tutors, and mentors, and foster parents,” shared nominator Amber Moore.
Andy is a federal solutions architect for Dell Technologies and former Associate Vice President of Rocket City Cyber. Bryana has a background in program management with the FBI. They lead Madison in local races in the Fleet Feet Race Team and Cotton Row Run.
Their biggest contribution to the community is welcoming foster children into their home and giving them compassion, support, and stability.
Signalink Inc. with Steve and Alice Lessmann sponsored the 2026 Madison Military Family of the Year.
Madison Chamber of Commerce raises $15,000 for Madison City Schools
The Madison Chamber of Commerce presented Madison City Schools with a $15,000 check at Celebrate Madison.
Madison City Schools Superintendent Eric Terrell and board members were there to accept the check. The donation goes to the school district’s “Supporting Our Students” fund.
The donation is an increase from last year. The 2025 Back to School Breakfast raised $13,000 for the SOS fund.
The “Supporting Our Students” fund benefits local teachers and students by providing resources for personal needs.
The 2026 Back to School Breakfast featured remarks from the new superintendent Eric Terrell who focused on his vision for elevating excellence in Madison City Schools. Madison City Schools is Alabama’s 12th largest school system with 13,000 students and fastest growing school system.
Along the concourse at Celebrate Madison, representatives of local businesses discussed and demonstrated their services to the audience Children explored The Kids Zone for a fun experience while releasing energy.
A fireworks show was the evening’s finale. The pyrotechnics were “the perfect way to end a night of celebration and community spirit,” Epling said.
For more, go to madisonalchamber.com.
