Takin’ it to the streets

This year's Madison Street Festival is Oct. 2 from 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. on the streets of historic downtown Madison.For the 30th year, the residents of Madison are taking it to the streets on the first Saturday in October.

For the 30th year, the residents of Madison are taking it to the streets on the first Saturday in October.

This year’s festival will be Oct. 2 and it will mark the 30th year of the city’s longest running tradition.

“It’s becoming probably our largest event of the year,” said Mayor Paul Finley. “It’s something people look forward to, and for a good reason.”

The event in the historic downtown begins at 8:45 a.m. with a parade, and the day features musical acts, arts, crafts, a car show, a children’s zone, exhibits, vendors and more.

“We wanted something to appeal to every member of the family,” said Shrail Heinrich, the president of the Street Festival committee.

And by having the event downtown, Finley said it helps bring the community together.

“What’s so great about Madison is it’s growing so much, but it still has that small town feel,” Finley said.

And even better, Heinrich said, admission to the festival is free.

“One of the things we strive for at the Street Festival is to keep it free,” said Heinrich. “In today’s time, money is tight.”

The event is organized and produced by volunteers each year, and Heinrich said there were 75-100 people who volunteered at last year’s event, which drew more than 3,000 people.

“The volunteers are great, and they’re mostly from Madison,” Heinrich said.

Another positive, Heinrich said, is the money raised at the festival goes right back into the community.

In fact, money from past festivals helped build the gazebo where several musical acts perform during the festival and throughout the year.

The event lasts until 4 p.m., providing a full day of fun for the entire family, Heinrich said.

“It’s something that’s unique to Madison, because Madison is unique. We want to make it a celebration of Madison,” Heinrich said. “This is a big party where everybody can come together. Our objective is to provide a fun and memorable day for Madison.”

For more information, visit MadisonStreetFestival.org, e-mail president@madisonstreetfestival.org or call 1-888-228-5845.

STREET FESTIVAL QUICKFACTS

Q. Any suggestions as to where’s the best spot for viewing the Street Festival Parade?

A. We recommend the stretch of Main Street between Wise and Sullivan or anywhere along Front Street.

Q. What time should I arrive to get the best viewing spots?

A. We recommend arriving to the festival by 8:20 am. Park at the City Stadium parking lot on Celtic Drive. You may take the festival shuttle to downtown free of charge.

Q. What is the 2010 theme?

A. “All Aboard for the Festival”. Remember, trophies will be awarded during the Opening Ceremonies.

PARKING DIRECTIONS

*Free Shuttle Service Takes You to the Main Entrance

From I-575

1.  Take the Wall Triana Highway exit- Exit 8- toward Madison Boulevard.

2.  Turn LEFT onto Wall Triana Highway when coming from Decatur or turn RIGHT if coming from Huntsville.

3.  Turn RIGHT onto Madison Boulevard/ AL-20

4.  Turn LEFT onto Celtic Drive before the Country Hearth Hotel.

5.  Go approximately 0.6 miles to the stadium, which is on the LEFT.

From Highway 72

1.  Turn onto Hughes Road going South.

2.  Turn RIGHT on Lanier Road just past the Post Office.

3.  Turn LEFT onto Celtic Drive, the stadium is on the RIGHT.

MUSICAL LINEUP

Sallie Dublin Stage

11 a.m.: Alabama Blues Brothers

1 p.m.: Bimini Road

2:30 p.m.: Reunion

Church Street Stage

9:30 a.m.: Alexander Martial Arts

9:45 a.m.: DanceTrance

11 a.m.: Lumani – Belly Dancing

12:15 p.m.: N. AL Seibukan Karate School and Okinawan Festival Drums

1:15 p.m.: Bob Jones Patriot Singers

2:15 p.m.: Alexander Martial Arts

2:30 p.m.: New Song School of Fine Art (ballet)

3:15 p.m.: Irish Step Dancers

Gazebo Stage

9:15 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies

9:30 a.m.: Bob Jones Marching Band

10 a.m.: New Song School of Fine Arts (music)

11:30 a.m.: “Elvis”

11:15 a.m.: Zen Catz

12:30 p.m.: Madison Public Library Teen Puppet Troupe

1:30 p.m.: The Auto Harp Man

2 p.m.: Brandon Watson

3 p.m.: Calvery Strings (Bluegrass Gospel)