Opinion
 By  admin Published 
2:03 pm Tuesday, February 24, 2015

City volunteers create special Downtown atmosphere

From The Publisher

Historic Downtown Madison’s holiday decorations are a real treat.

The local businesses and the City of Madison do a wonderful job of making the season feel colorful and bright.

As newcomers to the community, my family and I have really enjoyed these efforts this year. We’ve made it a point to drive through downtown once a week to see the lights and any new sights.

Mayor Troy Trulock and the City of Madison employees host wonderful events downtown to help bring in the holiday cheer. My family and I were able to attend the Lantern Parade and the lighting of the downtown Christmas trees.

Gayle Milam, event and volunteer coordinator for the City of Madison, did a tremendous job in making this year’s lighting ceremony special.

Gayle spent many hours behind the scenes coordinating the Christmas tree decorating effort with each participating businesses. Mayor Trulock and Gayle even found solutions to help stake down the Christmas trees so that the high winds could not topple them over.

I’m sure there are many unsung Madison heroes like Gayle Milam who understand the importance of a job like lighting downtown.

These tasks can make a major impact on families who live here and visit here.  I’ve found it is truly what makes living in Madison so great.

Another wonderful tradition to the holiday cheer in downtown Madison is Christmas Card Lane, presented by the Madison Arts Council and Planet Fitness. These displays of holiday art can be seen in front of beautiful historic homes.

The Madison Record and Madison County Record produces a weekly column called “Why I Love This Town.” It can feature people, places or traditions that make this community a great place to live.

We invite you to submit your stories on why Madison means so much to you.

It will be our pleasure to publish those stories.

Simply email them to news@madisoncountyrecord.com or mail them to P.O. Box 859 Madison, AL 35758.

Also on The Madison Record
City extends sales tax funding for Madison schools
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
February 4, 2026
MADISON - The Madison City Council approved an ordinance at the Jan. 29 city council continuing funding for the Madison City School District from a po...
Former Sparkman football player living his dream in Super Bowl LX
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Super Bowl LX
Bob Labbe 
February 4, 2026
HARVEST - All eyes of the sports world will be on Sunday’s Super Bowl which will feature former Sparkman High and Troy University star player Dell Pet...
Woman found dead after early Friday morning fire in Madison
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Apartment fire marks the 5th structure fire for Madison Fire and Rescue in 15 days
Staff Reports 
February 4, 2026
MADISON - A woman was found dead after an early morning house fire in Madison on Friday. Madison Fire & Rescue said crews responded to the fire on Cre...
Mayor Ranae Bartlett discusses sales tax, academy and activities
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
MADISON WEEKLY
Gregg Parker 
February 4, 2026
MADISON – In “Madison Weekly” for the week of Jan. 25, Mayor Ranae Bartlett endorsed Madison City Council’s vote to approve continuation of a half-cen...
Heroic Madison firefighters honored for saving life, presented with Star of Life Award
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
February 4, 2026
MADISON – While most people were opening gifts and relaxing at home on Christmas Day 2025, firefighters with Madison Fire and Rescue Department were a...
Firefighters Harper, Martin awarded for lifesaving assistance
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
February 4, 2026
MADISON – Jacob ‘Jake’ Harper and Jonathan Martin have been recognized for their bravery in service with Madison Fire and Rescue Department. Firefight...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *