The fun kicked off with the annual Madison Street Festival parade. The Cotton Ladies Marching Krew is pictured above making their way down Church Street. They have been a fun regular fixture in local parades since 2014. Check out our hundreds of photos from the festival on The Madison Record Facebook page.

MADISON – If you were in downtown Madison on Saturday and expected to have a wonderful time in an amazing atmosphere, then you were not disappointed. This year’s Madison Street Festival was one of the best in the 41 years of the festival. What started as a fun way for the city of Madison to celebrate our nation’s 200th birthday in 1976, has exploded into a day-long event engulfing the city’s historic downtown area and drawing nearly 40,000 visitors.

This year’s festival offered thrills, laughter, local musicians, visual artists, craftsmanship, family activities and food galore. There was something for everyone. It was all wrapped around a beautiful day with fall temps that were perfect for spending the day outside.

“I loved the festival. It was great to see so many people out walking around and having fun,” said Andrew Noles, who was at the festival for the first time with his wife Ashley, two sons and daughter. “There was no shortage of things to be a part of whether it be food trucks, entertainment, talking to different vendors, or just enjoying the company of the people around you.”

“It was awesome to see how much the festival has grown since last time I was here,” said Caleb Smith. He grew up partially in Madison before his family moved to Texas. Since moving back a couple of years ago, this is the first Madison Street Festival he has attended in recent years. “I loved it. I had a great time just walking around looking at everything. There was so much to see and do.”

The festival is divided into numerous sections, each with its own focus like fine arts, crafts, children and teens activities, local businesses, community demonstrations, food, history, and entertainment. And it all started with one of the largest and best parades in North Alabama.

“It was so encouraging to see how so many of our community came out and supported one another,” Ashley Noles said. “Everyone was very friendly and inviting everywhere you went. Joy was on every face. There were families there from every season of life, from children up to grandparents, all enjoying the beautiful weather and festivities. I’m definitely looking forward to it again next year!”

Madison Street Festival Committee President Crystal McBrayer said it took a lot of work from an army of volunteers and supporters to pull it off.

“The entire Madison Street Festival planning committee would like to thank all of our sponsors, vendors, participants, homeowners, and businesses in downtown Madison, public works, city of Madison departments, the Madison Police Department, countless volunteers, and the community for coming out on Saturday, to help us enjoy a beautiful fall day together.,” McBrayer said. “Everyone that came out made our 41st Festival so special. We hope everyone had a wonderful time full of lasting memories!”

The Madison Record’s Facebook page for more photos – click here.