By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MADISON, Ala. — Historic downtown Madison will fill with artists, performers, food vendors and families on Saturday, October 3, as the Madison Street Festival marks its 44th year.
The free festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A community parade is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Church Street, followed by opening ceremonies. Visitors can spend the rest of the day exploring arts and crafts, exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, and activities for children and teens.
This year’s festival also offers a way to help local classrooms. Organizers are asking visitors to bring school supplies for a “Stuff the Bus” collection. Donations may be dropped off at a school bus at the corner of Front and Sullivan streets during the festival. Businesses, churches, schools and neighborhood groups have also been invited to organize collections.
For more than four decades, the festival has brought community organizations and local businesses together around downtown Madison. Its combination of a parade, hands-on activities, and volunteer service makes the event a gathering for residents and a showcase for the people who create and work in the area.
The festival is scheduled to take place rain or shine. Visitors can check the organizer’s website for parking, shuttle, and parade details before heading downtown.