Thousands flock downtown for Madison Street Festival

Cute 17-month-old twins, Paetyn and Craecyn Klein-Prichard enjoyed the Madison Street Festival from the ease of their two-sitter baby tricycle. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Madison Communications Specialist Samantha Magnuson took advantage of the festival’s fun atmosphere to work on an information video for the city residents. This one will feature the Madison Fire and Rescue’s virtual fire safety program, which was on exhibit in the Teen Zone. They are pictured interviewing Madison Fire and Rescue Captain Michael Sedlacek. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

The Zomkowski kids enjoy their loot from the Madison Street Festival parade. Their father Paul watches over children Elliot, Henry, Rose and George while his wife, Anita, is with their other daughter, Lyla, who is a reenactor in the Madison City Historical Cemetery Stroll. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

People had a blast playing human foosball at the Madison Street Festival. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

Claudia and Doug Kalmer greet visitors to their booth at the Artist Alley section of the festival. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

Lori Wilson had so much fun playing Donkey Kong with her granddaughter Kadence at the Teen Zone. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

Swetha Jakka and Artem Starenki play a game of chess in a special exhibit from the Madison City Chess League. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

Nick Morrow, one of the exhibitors at Artist Alley, stands in front of his creations with his sidekick Paisley. Morrow is the owner of Pug Tested Pug Approved, which makes unique and beautiful American Flag artwork. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

The children’s tent at the Madison Street Festival. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

The clown Zero Sugerfoot clowning around at the Madison Street Festival. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

Luna Medved, who is almost 2 years old, had a thrilling time watching the parade with excitement while sitting on her father’s shoulders. RECORD PHOTO/JOHN FEW

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

Scene from the Madison Street Festival Parade.

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MADISON – The Madison Street Festival brought thousands of people to the city’s historic downtown area on Saturday. The streets were filled early with people looking for some festival fun before the mid-day heat set in, and they were not disappointed.

Festival committee president Gayle Milam promised a day filled with plenty to do and, as usual, the team of volunteers delivered on that promise.

It all started with the annual parade celebrating Madison’s 150th birthday. Organizations, businesses, the marching bands from James Clemens and Bob Jones, dancers, politicians and an assortment of fun parade entries, made their way through the cheering crowds from Mill Road to Front Street.

The rest of the festival was filled annual attractions like the children’s area, the teen zone, Artist Alley, Crafters Cove, Student Art Tent, two entertainment stages, a community showcase stage, an antique car show, information booths highlighting area services and businesses, and plenty of food trucks and vendors.

“It has been a lot of fun,” said Kevin Johnson, who was enjoying the festival with his wife Kayle and children, Chandler, 3, and Christian, 1. “We’ve had a great time. There was so much to see and do.”

Chick-fil-A took another stab at breaking the world’s record for the most people dressed as a cow in one place. People dressed as cows gathered in the Teen Zone area for a quick photo opportunity.

Madison Chick-fil-A spokesperson, Katie Bentley, said it would about two weeks before they know if the attempt was successful.

After the festival, the MSF Committee accepts applications for grants that divide any funds collected at the festival, minus expenses, to help area organizations, school groups and non-profits.