MADISON – Organizers for Madison Street Festival can provide increased security with a donation from Sen. Tom Butler (R).

Butler represents sections of Limestone and Madison counties in District 2.

Butler donated $4,800 for 12 ‘water barriers,’ or barrels constructed with hard, durable plastic, which a fire department truck can fill with water to provide temporary yet substantial barriers. The barriers give a ‘wall’ to prohibit pedestrians from entering a designated space along the city streets and downtown lots.

Kyle Mumaw contacted Butler about the need for security barriers. Mumaw served as MSF President for 2017 and 2018 and is serving as Logistics Chairperson in 2019.

“I thought a lot about it,” Butler said. “We have 25,000 to 30,000 people attend the Madison Street Festival annually. There obviously is a need for barrier security.”

In general, most of the barriers at the festival are moveable, concrete barriers often set up in the street. However, moving the extremely heavy concrete quickly is difficult in case of fire, medical needs or other emergency that requires quick access to an area.

“At first, the cost for water barriers almost seemed prohibitive. I gave more thought and research to it. The cost was $4,800 for the water-filled barrels,” Butler said. In an emergency when access is needed, a worker can activate a plug to quickly drain the barrels and move them out of the way.

“I said to myself, ‘The City of Madison might need these for other security needs.’ I decided some available grant funds could be used,” Butler said about writing the grant request. The grant to the City of Madison stipulates that Madison Fire and Rescue Department and Madison Police Department jointly will control and manage the barriers.

“Seeing the need for extra barrier security by police and firefighters is a need for which I was glad to assist. (The new barriers) will and make the festival better for all,” Butler said.

“They hold 2,000 pounds of water — bigger than we had,” Mumaw said. “One of the more prominent places that Madison Street Festival goers will notice the barriers is on Church Street after the parade.”

In Butler’s opinion, Madison Street Festival is an outstanding event that he anticipates annually. “The food, music, events, the parade with bands and just seeing our town with that many people make for one great day! This is a fun day for people of all ages!” he said.

“Thanks to all who serve on the Madison Street Festival Committee for your hard work and meticulous concern over every detail to produce a great event in Madison,” Butler said.