The Madison Record - Oct. 4, 2023

Madison THE RECORD

Madison Street Festival

Community Orchestra

Madison City Community Orchestra or MCCO is pursuing an active schedule with demonstrations at Madison Street Festival and a unique fall concert. Page 3A

James Clemens football

The moon glowed bright and orange over Madison City Stadium last Friday night as October loomed, and the high school football season marched into cooler weather and high-pressure games. Page 4A

Sparkman football

A look at the Sparkman Senators as they head into the second half of the season undefeated. Page 4A

Volleyball rivalry

The Bob Jones gym had a heightened energy flowing through it on Thursday afternoon. The two huge scoreboards gleamed highlights of the Lady Patriots volleyball team collecting points and making spectacular plays. Page 5A

IT ALL STARTS WITH A PARADE - When slightly cooler temps usher in the beginning of fall, you know it’s time for the annual Madison Street Festival. This year the festival is celebrating its 41st year, bringing an assortment of fun offerings to historic downtown Madison on Oct. 7. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with a parade (pictured above). Families line the streets as kids hope to catch a piece of candy thrown to the crowd as the many parade entries make their way along the downtown streets. And the fun continues through the rest of the day. Check out our guide to the 2023 Madison Street Festival in this week’s issue of The Madison Record. You can also find it online at www.themadisonrecord.com. Due to this issue’s special emphasis on the festival, some of our regular news and sports features this week are found exclusively on our website.

‘Big Energy’ propels Bob Jones volleyball into national rankings

MADISON - The Bob Jones varsity volleyball team is playing a “Big Energy” style of play. After posting a perfect 33-0 record, nailing down the No. 1 spot in the Class 7A state rankings and moving up to as high as No. 13 in the country, the Lady Patriots fell to Mountain Brook 25-20, 18-25, 12-15 in the finals of the Heff Strong Tournament posting its first loss of the 2023 season.

“It happens. Even the best teams suffer a loss and we will learn from the loss and don’t dwell on it,” said Meg Jarrett, one of five seniors on the 2023

Woman charged with attempted murder for weekend shooting

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON COUNTY – A woman was arrested Sunday for attempted murder after a shooting near Wall Triana north of Madison. Madison County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 59-yearold Donna Ann Navarre after MSCO officials say she shot her boyfriend early Sunday. The shooting happened at a residence in the 100 block of Clarice Circle in the Harvest community. Madison County deputies responded to the residence at approximately 5 a.m. Sunday morning after receiving an

squad.

Fellow senior Abby Harbin concurred, saying, “I looked at the bright side as the loss took off the pressure and will help us into the post-season. We’re determined to make up for it.”

Within the 33-game win streak, the Patriots set a school record when it won match No. 21 while winning the Tournament of Champions held in Guntersville. In that weekend event, Jarrett led the way with 64 digs. Riley Lovell had 101 assists and 33 digs and Kennedy Vaughn totaled 66 kills, nine blocks and 18 digs to help keep the season-opening win streak alive.

See VOLLEYBALL Page 5A

City passes budget with funds for fire station, community center, Toyota Field

MADISON – The Madison City Council officially passed the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget last week. The $70,668,372 budget included major funding for the new community center, a new fire station, and improvements to Toyota Field.

An earlier city council work session revealed that Fire Station 4 is no longer a reality for the former Hexagon Building 23A, which the city acquired last year. Upon further inspection, Fire Chief David Bailey and Mayor Paul Finley came to the decision that outfitting the Hexagon property was more expensive than anticipated and its

location was not conducive to quick response times.

“In talking to Chief [Bailey], he then helped us understand that even with that building, which you’d always say get me into Town Madison, it doesn’t meet everything we need to get to the south side of the city down Zeirdt Road,” Mayor Finley explained.

Chief Bailey later added, “It’s just as expensive to renovate an older building to be a fire station as it is to build a new fire station, especially if you have the land.”

The work session also revealed that upon making the decision to axe the plan for a new fire station at the former Hexagon property, Mayor Finley

BUDGET Page 3A

Photo of the Week

PULLIN’

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Madison City Community Orchestra to present ‘In the Deep’ on Oct. 22

MADISON – Madison City Community Orchestra or MCCO is pursuing an active schedule with demonstrations at Madison Street Festival and a unique fall concert.

At Madison Street Festival on Oct. 7, MCCO will set up at Madison Gazebo with their new “Rising Stars” promotional program.

“We’ll have many different instruments out for people to try,” MCCO Director Sandy Weisner said. “When they do, they’ll get a star put on our ‘Rising Stars’ board, which will entitle them to a free water bottle at our fall concert.”

“We’ll also have an info table with all our advertising materials, along with a wheel for the kids to spin to win a treat,” Weisner said.

For its fall concert, MCCO will present “In the Deep,” a tribute to water with classical, television and film music. The free concert on Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. will be performed in James Clemens High School Auditorium.

“This concert is sponsored by Madison Visionary Partners. It is because of their most generous grant that we are able to share such beautiful music,” Weisner said.

“We begin our 2023-2024 season with a

Shooting

concert all about water. Many composers have written compositions throughout the centuries that depict the power of water. We’ll share some of those wonderful pieces of music,” Weisner said.

MCCO will supply water-themed coloring books for the children. The public can buy $1 raffle tickets for fun water toys. Concert guests will receive a free water bottle. For more information, email director@ mccorchestra.org or visit mccorchestra. org.

Continued from page 1A

emergency 911 call of shots fired. Navarre was arrested on charges of Domestic Violence 1st and Attempted Murder.

The man was transported to Huntsville Hospital for treatment.

Budget

Continued from page 1A

moved $1.5 million from fire station funding into the community center fund. City council president Ranae Bartlett requested the funds be moved back into a fund for a new fire station, which it was in time for the budget to be passed last Monday.

The exact location of the permanent Fire Station 4 remains unclear but locations on Celtic Drive, where a temporary Fire Station 4 currently exists in the former Public Works facility, and Zierdt Road were mentioned as possible locations by the council.

The community center did receive an additional $1.5 million through shifts in other areas of the budget. The city has been in the process of renovating the old Three Springs juvenile detention center on Brownsferry Road into a multi-purpose community center. The city council already approved a $11.2 million contract with Lee Builders for the project in December. The property consists of approximately 30 acres and has two buildings, which total a little over 34,000 square feet.

One shift in the budget included the elimination of $11.5 million for suite upgrades at Toyota Field, but the budget still included $6 million for upgrades to meet updated MLB standards for the visitors’ clubhouse before the 2025 season.

Councilwoman Connie Spears commented on the source of the funding, “The $6 million that is proposed for the renovations of the first story of the visitor’s locker room at Toyota Field is out of the general fund. There is not a bond that is being taken out for that $6 million.”

Mayor Finley added, “While I hear the opinion that it doesn’t have to be done, I also have an opinion from (city planner) Mary Beth, who has worked directly with Major League Baseball to at least get it down to that piece which is needed to be compliant to meet Major League Baseball’s standards”.

MSCO said Navarre was arrested without incident. She has bonds totaling $15,000 and is being held at the Madison County Jail without bond on the Domestic Violence 1st charge.

Later in the city council meeting, the council voted to authorize a contract with Gilbert, McLaughlin, Casella Architects for $193,000 to draw up concepts for the first level of the new visitors’ clubhouse and additional levels the city may consider constructing in the future.

The budget additionally included funding for a newly established “Facilities and Grounds” department. Human Resources Director Megan Zingarelli, explained the new department is branching off from the existing Building Department, “So, whereas Building used to handle internal maintenance of city facilities and manage permitting and inspection for residential and commercial construction across the city, now that responsibility for city facilities is segwaying into a new department as the city facilities list grows and the list of responsibilities grows.”

Gerald Smith, who was hired over the summer as a facilities manager, will be stepping up as Director of the Facilities and Grounds department. Several positions, including the janitorial and maintenance staff and a building supervisor, are already in existence and will shift from the Building Department to the Facilities and Grounds Department. The other positions of Assistant Director of Facilities and Grounds, two maintenance technicians, and an administrative assistant will be created for the new department.

The budget also includes $300,000 for Phase 1 of the Wayfinding Project, which includes signage directing people to specific sights in Madison. Mayor Finley described it as an effort “directly correlated with getting people to know more about historic downtown Madison.”

The next city council meeting will take place Monday, October 9 at 6 p.m. at city hall.

James Clemens unable to stay with undefeated Muscle Shoals

MADISON - The moon glowed bright and orange over Madison City Stadium last Friday night as October loomed, and the high school football season marched into cooler weather and high-pressure games.

The James Clemens (4-2) matchup with undefeated Muscle Shoals (5-0) was one of those games as the Jets were bested 42-28 at home.

The tone of the game was set before it even started.

As the sound system proclaimed its customary Bruce Buffer an-

nouncement and the air traffic control sound effects began to usher in James Clemens, the Muscle Shoals band started playing and the Trojans hit the field like a band of raiders entering a village with no regard for field etiquette.

What really doomed the Jets were two interceptions and some gaffes on special teams.

James Clemens junior quarterback Ty Marsh might have had two turnovers, but the Jets signal caller ended up with a pair of touchdown passes and a short-yardage rushing score in the game as he tried to will his team to victory.

Jets senior wide receiver Logan Eggart collected two touchdown receptions in the game.

Muscle Shoals quarterback Cole Woods seemingly did it all for the Trojans with a pair of passing scores, a rushing TD and even a touchdown catch to boot.

James Clemens hit the ground running on the opening kickoff when Devon Cooper took the ball 84 yards for the score to give the Jets a prompt 7-0 advantage just 15 seconds into the game.

Muscle Shoals appeared poised to respond with a kick return touch-

See JETS Page 8A

Sparkman’s defense posts four shutouts, offense making big plays

HARVEST - Prior to the current high school football season, Sparkman head coach Ronnie Watson set the tone of what he hoped would be the scope of what he wanted his program to become in his first season leading the

Senators. He stated, “You buy in or bought out.” His notice to all involved within the program seem to have paid off halfway through the 2023 campaign as the tenth ranked Senators are undefeated through five games and have four shutouts along the way outscoring their opponents by a remarkable 226-18. The lone team to score was Austin in a key Region 4 matchup which Sparkman won 2118. All other challengers have come up with goose eggs on the scoreboard against a Sparkman defensive squad that the school has never seen before.

“These players have bought in and have come together as they set a lot of personal and team goals,” said Watson, who is in his 15th season on the

coaching staff, his first as head coach, after 14 seasons on the defensive side of the ball. “They are executing the game plans our coaches have given them. This is what you want from a defense.”

The offense is coming off a tremendous 2022 season where it scored a team record 383 points, which was the top scoring offense in Class 7A across Alabama. In 2023, the defense is putting up numbers that haven’t been seen in decades, but in reality, this year’s performance is very similar to last season when the Senators opened the halfway mark at 4-1 including three shutouts, but then the wheels fell off losing four of their last five games and missing the post-season playoffs.

Leading the defense

is its “quarterback” in middle linebacker Yves Ponder (5-8, 210). The senior hitter has 52 tackles including six tackles for a loss. He also had a fumble scoop for a score. Ponder added, “The move to have Coach Watson as our head coach was a really good move as he makes sure the defense is good and all of that started in the weight room during the off-season. As defensive leader, I make sure everybody is into what we’re doing.”

Ponder, who has had several schools look at his talent including Alabama A&M, Bethel College and Troy, described the defense of having a “dog” mentality of always going after the ball 100-percent. He also gave praise to his teammates of making big plays when needed, in-

See SPARKMAN Page 8A

Bob Jones volleyball dominates Jets

MADISON - The Bob Jones gym had a heightened energy flowing through it on Thursday afternoon.

The two huge scoreboards gleamed highlights of the Lady Patriots volleyball team collecting points and making spectacular plays.

As the last of the sunlight shimmered through the tall windows at the entrance of the gym, the Bob Jones student section pulsed with excitement for its exceptional volleyball team.

The gym rattled with the familiar hum of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” during a timeout as the Lady Patriots danced around the court with the confidence of a team firmly in control.

This past Thursday was a best three out of five against crosstown rival James Clemens (16-15) as Bob Jones (36-1) rolled in straight sets 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-16).

The top-ranked program in the state dominated the Lady Jets from the beginning with a 25-15 first-set victory that was the most competitive set of the three.

The schools traded points early on in a back-and-forth affair that was tied at 6-6.

Bob Jones was powered by outside hitters Rachel Mecklenburg and

Kennedy Vaughn who sent the ball rattling down toward the James Clemens defensive specialists for valuable kills.

The Lady Jets turned to their hitter Maja Sullivan who dished it back at the Lady Patriots to help JC try to stay with Bob Jones.

The Lady Patriots were leading the first set 16-13 after a timeout when a three-point sequence helped the home squad begin to pull away.

It started with a kill by Anabelle Arnold for point 17 and then an ace by Kali Beigh who was serving that gave Bob Jones the 18th point.

Eliza Tyrrell’s kill handed the Lady Patriots a 19-14 advantage as James Clemens would end up only taking one more point in the set.

Bob Jones tallied the final six points that culminated with Kendall Buckley gently touching the ball over the net so that it could drop around the JC defense to secure the opening set.

The Lady Patriots won the second set 25-8 in dominant fashion as this set was only tied at 2-2 before a kill by Mya Lacey as Bob Jones bolted and left James Clemens behind.

Mecklenburg’s kill for the 12th point made the score 12-4 at a timeout.

The Lady Jets would manage just four more points in the remainder of the set as Bob Jones had all of the

momentum at this point.

Vaughn put an exclamation point on the second set with a kill for the 25th point that sent the Bob Jones gym into hysterics.

The Lady Patriots essentially took a victory lap of sorts in the third set with a 25-16 win to take the match in three. The third set was tied at 1-1 until Bob Jones went on a run of six straight points to lead 7-1.

James Clemens found some energy after a timeout down 11-5 when the Lady Jets went on a run of three points in a row to make at 11-8, but that hope faded quickly.

It faded because of kills by Tyrrell and Arnold that made it 15-9 Bob Jones.

That was followed by back-to-back aces by Riley Lovell for points 16 and 17.

James Clemens tried to fight back, but Bob Jones shut the door on its rival with a match-clenching dig by Abby Harbin that bounced so high that it cleared the net and fell out of the reach of the Lady Jets.

Bob Jones volleyball is back in action on Thursday with a road clash against Boaz and then Guntersville the same night.

James Clemens also returns to the court on Thursday with matches on the road against Baker and Mobile Christian.

Madison Academy stays undefeated with 63-7 blowout

MADISON - The Madison Academy Mustangs (5-0) continue to dominate opponents with a 63-7 bludgeoning of Madison County (1-5) on Friday at home.

Senior quarterback Jake Poldiak completed 12 of 13 passes for 178

Volleyball

yards in a contest that was dictated on the ground.

Madison Academy let their horses run wild and it started with senior running back Ken Cherry who carried the pigskin eight times for a staggering 221 yards with three touchdowns.

The junior running back Joshua Williams ended up with 11 carries

Continued from page 1A

During one week 12-win stretch, Lovell had 165 assists, 47 digs and 10 service aces while Jarrett totaled 142 digs. The numbers don’t lie, but it is a total team effort in posting its 34-1 record.

“This team is focused and determined as they don’t lose sight of the journey they are on as each girl has thoughts on the big picture at the end of the season,” said head coach Jenny Jarrett. “They are good at focusing on the next game.”

Harbin described the team as exciting, always pumped up with “Big Energy.” “We bounce off each other and we play for each other and we always stay positive,” she added. “Our personalities mesh together and our team chemistry is awesome.”

Latest statistics show a wide variety of talent posting impressive numbers on the court. Included are: Kennedy Vaughn (OH, 5-11, Jr.) 317 kills, .301 hitting percentage, 43 blocks, 83 digs, 20 aces; Meg Jarrett (L, 5-8, Sr.) 358 digs, 93 assists, 2.36 SR rating, 30 aces; Riley Lovell (S, 5-6, Jr.) 507 assists, 38

aces, 172 digs, 30 kills; Eliza Tyrrell (OH, 5-9, Sr.) 204 kills, .289 hitting percentage, 80 blocks, 30 aces, 49 digs; Rachel Mecklenburg (OPP/S, 5-9, Sr.) 137 kills, 297 assists, 153 digs, 26 blocks, 22 aces; Kali Beigh (DS, 5-4, Jr.) 176 digs, 40 aces, 2.11 SR rating, 19 assists.

“Kennedy leads the state in kills and our other junior class players have all stepped up, along with our two sophomores, Mya Lacey (MH, 5-9, So.) and Kendall Buckley (OPP, OH, 6-0, So.),” said Coach Jarrett. “We have a good combination of class participation as our team is made up of a good mix of ages.”

“We have a lot of young players who have come a long way since summer workouts,” added Meg Jarrett. “This is a selfless team.”

The winning run came off a disappointing finish in 2022 as the Patriots fell to McGill-Toolen 3-1 in the State Championship match. The squad was ohso-close to taking the title and finished the season at 51-7. That loss sparked the energy level during the

for 89 yards and three scores of his own while the sophomore back Daniel Mccauley had six rushes for 22 yards and a touchdown.

Even though he didn’t have a touchdown, senior wide receiver Jackson Reece still had nine catches for 121 yards in the victory.

Defensively, AJ Rice had a fumble

See MUSTANGS Page 8A

off-season and has continued to this point in the 2023 schedule as earlier in the season the Patriots achieved “revenge” from their loss by defeating McGill-Toolen in a head-tohead match.

“That was the best moment of the season so far for me,” said Harbin. “That match was a big deal for us after last year’s season-ending loss as we put our heart and soul into that game. With the win, we also found out how well we worked together as a team.”

To remind each player about their goal for this season of making it back to the State Championship and win what would be the program’s third state title, the team wears T-shirts that read “We Will Be Back.”

“This team really surprises me how they find the energy and focus at every match as they continue to compete and not get complacent,” added Coach Jarrett.

The remainder of the season schedule includes playing in the Shrimp Fest Tournament in Gulf Shores just prior to the

Area and Super Regional Tournaments, but the Lady Patriots already have their sights set on the State Tournament Nov. 1-2 and are doing so with “Big Energy.”

QUIVER CROSSWORD

THE SPORT OF ARCHERY

Archery is the sport of shooting arrows with a bow towards a target. A simple bow is made from a curved piece of wood, or other material, with a string attached to each end. An arrow is a stick that has one pointed end and a notch at the other. A bag that holds arrows is called a quiver. Someone who uses a bow and arrow is known as an Archer. Today archery is a popular sport, but the practice of archery has been done for tens of thousands of years. There is evidence in what is now Tunisia that people used primitive bows and arrows as long as 50,000 years ago! Ancient Egyptians were skilled at using bows and arrows as a sport. Humans first used the practice to hunt for food and later as a weapon. Today there are many different types of bows and arrows, and they are mainly used for recreational purposes. Archery is now considered a sport, and the Summer Olympics have an archery competition. There are many other competitions where people compete to see who can shoot bows the farthest and with the most accuracy.

ARCHERY COLOR IT!

Across Clues:

3. In archery, you use the bow to _____ arrows.

4. A bow and arrows were once often used as a _____.

7. Archery competition is held during the ____ Olympics.

8. Ancient peoples used archery to hunt for their _____.

9. These ancient peoples were very skilled archers.

Down Clues:

1. A pointed stick with a notch at the end.

2. What you use to shoot an arrow.

3. Archery is primarly practiced today as a ____.

5. A sport that uses a bow and arrow and targets.

6. This holds your arrows when not shooting them.

7. The most important thing to consider in archery is ______!

WHO WON IT? MAZE

DOTS AND BOXES

Each person takes a turn to draw a line from one dot to another. When a player completes a box, such as the one below, they are allowed another turn. Place your initial in each box that you complete. Person with the most boxes is the winner.

1. NEVER point a bow at someone or something other than your target.

2. Always have an adult present and watching out.

3. Do not loose (shoot) your arrows until the signal is given that it is safe to do so.

4. Do not retrieve your arrows until the adult gives the all clear that all shooters are done.

5. When walking, hold the bow and arrows pointed downwards.

6. Never walk with a knocked

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!

Keep training On the back burner

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So, I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

training, while important, is not as vital as spiritual training. The devil can try to confuse you to the point where you don’t really know how to train spiritually, or you start comparing what you do to others or get to a point that is not important.

Corin-

thians 9:25-27 NLT Bible

Gateway I consider myself a runner although my newest friends don’t know that because I have not been disciplined like in preCovid days to get out and run a couple miles daily.

Anything you do requires training such as a friend who recently completed her 30th triathlon. You can do things you want to and physical

Brother and sister, getting into God’s word even if just a snippet is crucial to growing in Christ. A favorite place to go daily and ‘train’ in my case a rocking chair next to my bedside table and a prayer closet I need to use more. Don’t become lazy or complacent. The devil is ready to trip you so don’t let him.

PRAYER: I am grateful for my Bible and ask you to help me daily read it and hide the word in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Lemonade Stand is written by former Madison resident Becky Miller. Her daily devotions appear on Facebook or at godslemonadestand.blogspot.com.

Church Directory

Madison Church of Christ is planning to host a Caring for Mom & Dad Caregiver Workshop on Nov. 12. Speakers will teach on topics like financial management, navigating Alzheimer’s & Dementia, as well as other areas of elder law that will help prepare families to continue to honor their fathers and mothers in the late stages of life. Madison Church of Christ is located at 556 Hughes Road in Madison. For more information, go to www. madisonchurch.org

Vehicle Title Problem? We have a Solution!

Jets Continued from page 4A 564700-1

down of their own on the ensuing kickoff, but Jets defender Marc Woods was able to run down Xavier Johnson at the JC 20-yard line.

The Trojan touchdown was only delayed though as Muscle Shoals scored when Cole Woods found Hadden Vance in the end zone for the 3-yard grab that tied the game at 7-7 with 9:01 to play in the opening quarter.

Muscle Shoals wrestled the lead away from James Clemens just before the end of the first quarter when Woods took it himself two yards stretching the pigskin with a stab in the air as he crossed the goal line to make it 14-7 Trojans.

The Jets were keen to mount a drive to square the game back up, but that was halted when Marsh threw his first interception of the game to Trojan defender Xavier Johnson at 11:50 of the second quarter.

Muscle Shoals was set up with great field position on the JC 33yard line and the Trojans pounced on the opportunity when running back Jaquess Greene found some space and broke through a couple of James Clemens tackles down the right sideline for a 25-yard rushing touchdown.

There was 9:55 to play in the first half and Muscle Shoals were already leading 21-7.

The boys in all Jet Blue got back to work though as they moved their way down the field near the Trojan goal line.

James Clemens attempted to run a goal line sneak from four yards out, but it only earned them two yards.

Undeterred, the Jets did their best Philadelphia Eagles impression with a perfectly executed “Tush Push” play as Marsh burrowed his way with the offensive line to the right with a little help from behind to get the yardage to break the plane for the touchdown that made it 21-14 Trojans at 3:45.

Muscle Shoals answered with 2:16 to go before the half when Woods found Vance wide open down the middle of the field for the 31-yard touchdown pass that flipped the numbers on the scoreboard to 28-14 Trojans.

After the score, Muscle Shoals booted the ball out of bounds for a penalty that would have placed the pigskin on the 35-yard line, but James Clemens opted to rekick which left the Jets buried deep in their own territory due to not much of a return.

Any chances of James Clemens scoring before the half were dashed when Marsh threw his second interception of the game to Luke Mosley which would keep the score at 28-14 at the midway point.

Sparkman Continued from page 4A

cluding Jamarion Matthews (DL, 5-8, 210, So.) who leads the team in sacks with nine, and Jayden Chambers (LB/DL, 6-1, 210, Jr.), who has added 31 tackles. Ponder said, “We are really good in the box, heavy on the run and we make our opponents throw the ball, but we have several great defensive backs waiting.”

“We simplified our defense and utilize the speed we have, as well as, having the maturity level of our players rise to the occasion,” said Watson. “These guys go get it. They play together and prepare daily. I have not seen a defense as cohesive

Mustangs

Muscle Shoals went back to work in the third quarter when Greene broke loose for an 80-yard touchdown carry that expanded the Trojans’ lead to 35-14 just 15 seconds into the quarter.

A short kickoff that dropped in front of a James Clemens special teams player gave Muscle Shoals another opportunity to take the ball right from under the Jets’ proverbial noses three seconds later.

This time the Trojans got tricky with a misdirection play in the backfield that gave the pigskin to the receiver Vance who lobbed it to quarterback Woods in the end zone for the touchdown.

The score was ugly at 42-14 at the 6:51 mark of the third quarter, but James Clemens had not given up yet.

Marsh and company kept on fighting and the Jets were rewarded with a 3-yard scoring play, Marsh to Eggart to make it 42-21 which hacked into that massive hole that the Trojans had put them in.

The JC quarterback would find Eggart a second time near the end of the fourth quarter on a 27-yard touchdown snag that made the scoreboard 42-28 Trojans in a game that was already out of reach. James Clemens is back in action on Friday when the Jets play host to the undefeated Sparkman Senators.

as this one.”

The offense is also clicking to enormous success scoring 45 points per game and already twice putting up over 50 points on the scoreboard. Senior quarterback Josh Ward, “The Gardner,” has passed for over 600 yards and nine touchdowns hitting Jonathan Rozier (WR, 6-1, 180, Jr.), Amaree Jabbar (WR, 5-7, 165, Sr.) and Brodie Slate (WR, 6-3, 180, Sr.) with four scoring passes each while Drip Thomas has put up over 290 yards and six scores on the ground.

“Our special teams have played

Continued from page 5A recovery with a 55-yard return.

The Mustangs are on the road this Friday when they look to overpower Asbury (1-5).

Several teams were off this past

week and are back to action for the first Friday in October.

The rested Sparkman Senators (50) collide with James Clemens (4-2) who is fresh off a 42-28 loss to Mus-

well giving us great field position many times,” added Watson. “We really want to make a statement with our defense as odds were against us starting the season,” said Ponder. “We’re ready to get to the ball as people come out to see us play.”

The Senators will face the biggest test of the season with an Oct. 6 showdown in region foe James Clemens at Madison City Schools Stadium. Sparkman last won the region title in 2006 when the team had its first 10-game win season and playoff win.

cle Shoals (See the main story in this sports section) at Madison City Stadium. The Bob Jones Patriots (23), who also had a bye week, travel to face Florence (3-3).

MADISON – On Oct. 7, find your niche for thrills, laughter, local musicians, visual artists, craftsmanship and entrepreneurs at Madison Street Festival (MSF).

This year marks the festival’s 41st anniversary. Many people define the day as a street party, a shopping venue for one-of-akind designs, or a homecoming for family and friends.

The MSF Steering Committee has worked “the last eight months with over 40 volunteers. The MSF 501(c)3 organization has been working diligently and passionately behind the scenes to create another magical festival for the community to enjoy on Oct. 7, opening at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.,” MSF President Crystal McBrayer said.

The 2023 festival is attracting more participants than ever before. Madison Street Festival attracts children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens to Madison’s historic downtown streets for the community’s largest signature event. In recent years, the Madison Police Department has estimated the crowd at 40,000. The festival has even claimed distinction as one of Alabama’s top 20 fall festivals.

It all starts with a parade (see page 2B) at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday in October.

From that moment until the fun ends at 4 p.m., it is a loaded array of fun and excitement. Throughout the downtown streets lies an assortment of attractions from Artist Alley and Crafter’s Cove to some of the area’s top entertainers performing and fun activities for the whole family.

Of course, what would a festival be without mouth-watering food? Well, the Madison Street Festival has just about any kind of delicious delight you could want at a

festival. The best part about the Madison Street Festival is that it is free to attend. Businesses that sponsor the festival each year make

it possible for the festival organizers not to charge admission.

“The MSF organization is beyond grateful for the support that our community has shown for our 41st festival. We cannot wait to see everyone enjoying all that we have planned for the day,” McBrayer said.

Over the next few pages, you will find information about what is being offered at this year’s Madison Street Festival and how to experience the fun. For more information, check out the MSF’s website at www.madisonstreetfeatival.org.

Also, check out the MSF map on page 2B and be sure to scan in the QR code at the bottom of page 4B to pull an interactive app for the festival.

Most of all, make plans to be in downtown Madison on Oct. 7 to attend one of the best festivals in Alabama and the Tennessee Valley, and have yourself a blast!

History of the Madison Street Festival

MADISON – The Madison Street Festival has a rich history, spanning over four decades. This year the festival will celebrate its 41st anniversary.

The premiere of the Madison Street Festival (MSF) was in 1976. Area municipalities and Huntsville Museum of Art were looking for ways to celebrate the country’s bicentennial all across Madison County. The City of Madison partnered with the art museum, and the first Madison Street Festival was held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 1976.

“That first festival saw a juried art show and a tour of Madison’s historic homes. Chaired by Mrs. Gary (Joyce) Griffin, a tradition was born!” Debbie Overcash said. Overcash served as MSF President in 2012 and 2013. Griffin was honored to return as Grand Marshal of the MSF Parade in 2013.

“A group of people decided to create a fun, free festival to bring people

together. Showcase some vendors, have arts and crafts, fun for the kiddos, and enjoy beautiful downtown Madison,” 2023 MSF President Crystal McBrayer said.

“The festival in the past also has been hosted in the spring, but we have landed in the fall for many years. Unfortunately, we have had a few years, like 2020 and 2021 with COVID-19, that we have not been able to host a festival,” McBrayer said.

In recent years, the festival’s footprint expanded to include streets and lots north of Main Street. Vendors and civic groups moved their booths along Church Street, northward to Maple Street. Both Madison United Methodist Church and Fellowship of Faith Church generously have allowed use on their parking lots and contributed in-kind in other outreach.

“And the best part of the festival – it’s free,” McBrayer said. Corporate sponsors and hometown

See MSF HISTORY Page 7B

It all starts with a parade!

The Madison Street Festival parade kicks off the fun at 9 a.m.

MADISON – The Madison Street Festival parade is a not-to-miss tradition for many festivalgoers. The community parade shows off youngsters in sports, music and civic-minded groups. City politicians wave to constituents. First-responders march. Small businesses advertise their wares and services. An assortment of fun parade entries, will make their way through the cheering crowds from Mill Road to Front Street.

The parade will start on Skate Park Drive at 9 a.m. and proceed down Mill Road and Church, Front and Sullivan streets. Parade units will disperse at Madison Elementary School.

Grab a seat to view from any of these roads to see the many participants from dancers to school bands, cheerleaders, mascots, and more!

Don’t miss the MSF Opening Ceremonies at the Church Street Stage immediately following the Parade.

Greetings from the Madison Street Festival Committee

FFor over 40 years, Madison Street Festival has set out to create a festival that unites the community with a collection of arts and crafts, entertainment, children’s activities, vendor booths, festival food, a parade and other activities that makes a day out with family and friends so special.

For our 41st festival, The MSF committee has worked tirelessly and passionately to create an event that makes the day magical! Whether this is your first Madison Street Festival or your 20th, we are excited to welcome you on October 7th to Historic Downtown Madison. We can’t wait to see you enjoying all we have planned.

Entertainment will be rocking during the street festival

MADISON - This year’s Madison Street Festival (MSF) will include a performance stage that will showcase some of the top local music entertainers. It will be situated along Church Street in the United Methodist Church parking lot.

“We are proud to showcase some of the best talent in the Tennessee Valley. Singers, dancers, musicians, and other performers – we’ve got it all, right here in downtown Madison,” said MSF President McBrayer. “Be prepared to put your hands together, stomp your feet, or just sit back and hum along to your favorite songs. We’ve got something for the whole family.”

The Band Silhouette

Following the opening ceremony at 10 a.m., “The Band Silhouette” will take the stage as the festival’s first performer. No stranger to the Huntsville and Madison area, the band hails from Auburn and consists of Will Scarpa, James Berryhill, Brenner Oakes, and Dylan Deal. They describe themselves as a funky, poppy, alt-rock band.

“The Band Silhouette” will perform from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Flying on Instruments

Next up will be a group of people brought together by their love of music the thrill of performing again, specifi-

cally jazz. Most members of “Flying on Instruments” work in the aerospace industry and hail from diverse areas of the country. Most have jazz experience from high school, college or jazz ensembles, bassist Dave Bradford of Madison said.

“These guys and gals are a great bunch of people. Most are not only working (in the STEM/space industry) but are also working on master’s degrees,” Bradford said. “Somehow, they manage to get together twice a week to play jazz.” Band members work as scientists, software analysts, electrical engineers, physicists and in electronics.

In July 2020, Trace Hill of Madison organized the band, which “started gigging publicly” in May 2022. “Flying with Instruments” will perform from 12 to 1 p.m.

The Zooks

“The Zooks” are an area favorite, performing throughout north Alabama. Known for its dance music from the heydays of the 1960s through 1980s, “The Zooks” perform classic rock anthems, Motown tunes and rhythm and blues standards. The band members believe that their music will please any crowd.

The band’s interesting back story dates to 2000 when the group first organized thousands of miles away on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. The men forming the band

knew each other from their jobs with a contractor for the U.S. Army. When they returned to the United States, the band members often got together over the years for jam sessions. Today, they play at numerous venues across the Tennessee Valley.

“The Zooks” will perform from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Zoe Imperium Rounding up this year’s mu-

sic performers will be “Zoe Imperium”. This group is a hard hitting alternative rock band mixed with elements of hiphop. Comprised of four siblings who moved from Oregon to Tennessee to find success with their music, they are aiming to bring awareness to teen suicide and depression through music that speaks life. Their latest track “GO” is a rap/rock anthem about pushing limits and overcoming obstacles. Think Beast-

ie Boys meets Linkin Park for the Super Bowl halftime show! “Zoe Imperium” will perform from 3 to 4 p.m.

2023 Entertainment Schedule

The Band Silhouette 10:30-11:30

Flying on Instruments 12:00-1:00

The Zooks 1:30-2:30

Zoe Imperium 3:00-4:00

Four bands will fill the festival with plenty of music

For the love of art...

Informal artisans, budding artists and purveyors of fine art all have a place at Madison Street Festival with Artist Alley, Crafters Cove and the Student Art Tent

Crafter’s Cove offers a wealth of treasures

MADISON – Crafter’s Cove, east of Madison United Methodist Church, has experienced artisans who create handsome arts-and-crafts pieces.

Crafter’s Cove will offer an acre full of treasures and handmade crafts. The MSF has one of the best arts and crafts shows in the Tennessee Valley.

“Our artisans come from all over the South to share their original, beautifully handcrafted items,” said MSF President McBrayer. “Past artisans have come from Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and of course ‘Sweet Home’ Alabama.”

Crafter’s Cove show-

cases unique handmade items that embody the creativity and skill of the craftsperson. “Our only requirement is that the items be handmade by the artisan or craftsman,’ McBrayer said.

Crafter’s Cove has everything including but not limited to hair bows, clothing for children, dolls, and women, wreaths, jewelry, items made from wooden pallets, yard art, ceramics, cigar box guitars, dog clothing and collars, candles, wooden toys, up-cycled items, knitted and crocheted items.

Susan Baily is chairing Crafter’s Cove this year with her husband, Dave. For more information, go to www.madisonstreetfestival.org/crafters-cove.

Artist Alley showcases the area’s finest artists and their creations

MADISON – Artist Alley is a juried art event that celebrates and showcases some of Tennessee Valley’s and the surrounding area’s best artists. Stroll through an amazing display of high-quality, award-winning original works of art. Take time to talk with the artists and find that perfect work of art to take home.

Amber Keyes, who is chairing Artist Alley, first attended the festival in 2016. “My family and I really enjoyed the festival and decided to make it an annual event for us,” Keyes said.

The festival in 2019 was her first time volunteering for the MSF committee. “I had never volunteered before but thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’” Keyes said.

A crafter, Keyes enjoys crocheting, sewing, painting and other pursuits. Also an artist, Keyes’ daughter loves to draw.

Keyes is co-chairing Artist Alley with someone who has many years of experience with the Madison Street Festival, former MSF president Debbie Overcash.

Artist Alley is focused primarily on the fine arts. Past vendors have created pottery, raku, photography, glass, woodworking, literature, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and metal smith. The artist must make all displayed artwork.

MSF will award the Joyce & Dennis Vaughn Best in Show, Madison Street Festival Merit

Award presented by Madison Art Alliance, and Madison Street Festival Committee Award.

The Joyce & Dennis Vaughn Best in Show Award

Presented for the first time in 2023, this award has been created in memory of Joyce Vaughn and in honor of Dennis Vaughn. If it weren’t for the continued support of the Vaughn family, we wouldn’t be able to showcase our outstanding artists every year in such a beautiful setting. This award recognizes one artist’s extraordinary quality, craftsmanship, creativity, and outstanding work in their chosen medium.

MSF Merit Award presented by Madison Art Alliance Award

Presented for the first time in 2023 by Madison Art Alliance.

The Madison Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization that seeks to foster and promote the arts in

Madison County by encouraging community engagement and developing opportunities for artistic expression. This award represents the importance of championing and cultivating the arts in our community. It will be bestowed upon one artist to recognize the countless hours and dedication to their art form.

MSF Committee Award

The recipient of this award is selected by members of the Madison Street Festival Committee, it recognizes one artist for dedication and excellence in their chosen medium. This award is a significant honor since it represents the collective opinion of the committee members who work yearround to organize and ensure the continued quality and success of the Madison Street Festival.

For a list of this year’s participant artists, go to www.madisonstreetfestival.org/artist-alley.

Amazing artwork from local students is shown in the MSF Student Art Tent

MADISON - Located in the Artist Alley area off of Church Street, the Student Art Tent contains submissions from students in Madison City Schools.

After her first visit to Madison Street Festival in 2015, Deborah Burke was impressed with the mix of different areas – events, food, entertainment and vendors.

“It was ‘an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.’ Of course, I had no idea of the hours and hours of coordination, number of volunteers and dedication to make that ‘enjoyable way to spend the afternoon’ actually happen,” Burke said.

In 2019, Burke again visited MSF with encouragement from friend Beth Mumaw, who described both how much fun and work the one-day event involved. On her second visit, Burke visited MSF for hours, fully immersed

in the festival – roundtrip on the shuttle, tasting at food trunks and buying vendors’ merchandise.

She walked away with awareness that MSF required tremendous work for ‘an enjoyable way to spend the day.’

An advocate for giving back to the community, Burke decided to volunteer with MSF for the first time last year. Burke is chairing the art tent.

“I’m excited to learn

the ropes and make fun changes in the future to the Student Art Tent,” Burke said. Art teachers at each MCS campus – elementary through high school – were invited to display their students’ artwork. “It’s the sole discretion of the art teacher as to what art is selected to display.”

To respect teacher requests, students’ artwork will not be judged or awarded with ribbons.

Festival’s Community Showcase promises array of talent

By STAFF REPORTS

news@themadisonrecord.com

This stage will include dancing groups, people showing off their belly dancing and twirling skills, musical ensembles and even a balloon performance. “It is going to be one fun stage. Make sure to head up to Main Street, grab lunch, sit down and enjoy these performances,” Volkin said.

The number of Community Showcase acts has doubled since last year. It will start at 10 a.m. with BalloonMasterz Entertainment Inc., followed by students from Adoni School of Ballet at 10:30 a.m. Rocket City Twirlers will command the stage at 11 a.m. Huntsville Community Drumline will rock the stage at 11:30 a.m. and the Southern Irish Dance Ten-

nessee team will be next at noon. Huntsville Belly Dance Company will take the stage at 12:30 p.m., followed by Rocket City HEMA at 1 p.m.

To round up the community performances, “Every Body Dance Crew” is set for 1:30 p.m., Rocket City Chorus at 2 p.m., Madison Clarinet Choir at 2:30 p.m. and Tiger Rock Martial Arts at 3 p.m.

A natural to help with Community Showcase, Volkin was a self-described ‘Band Mom.’ Her daughter played saxophone in Bob Jones High School Band and Madison City Community Orchestra.

“We have so many different types of performances that all ages will enjoy,”Volkin said. “I’m really excited about the variety we will have this year.”

“With so many artists of all sorts, as well as food vendors and local businesses, it will be a full day of activities and entertainment. This is such a wonderful way for our neighbors to get together and celebrate all that this community has to offer,” Volkin said.

For more, go to www.madisonstreetfestival.org/exhibit-and-demonstration-area.

Community Showcase

10:00

Balloonmasterz

10:30

Adonai School of Ballet

11:00

Rocket City Twirlers

11:30

Huntsville

Community Drumline 12:00 Southern Irish Dance 12:30 Huntsville Belly Dance Community 1:00 Rocket City HEMA 1:30 Every Body Dance Crew 2:00 Rocket City Chorus 2:30 Madison Clarinet Choir 3:00 Tiger Rock Martial Arts

Looking for information on businesses or city services? MSF has what you seek

information,

has

From local

to information about city services, MSF has a place for all of it.

MADISON – An impressive number of food vendors will serve some of the South’s best choices. Barbecue, Greek, hot dogs, hamburgers, comfort food, tamales, tacos, funnel cakes, ice cream, shaved ice, Philly cheese steak, vegan options, popcorn, cookies and cakes, specialty coffee and lemonade . . . the Madison Street Festival has your taste buds covered.

Brawner’s Concessions Brown Sugar Baking Capital Cookie Co, LLC

Ole Fashion Concessions

leave happy,” said MSF President McBrayer 2023 Food & Beverage Vendors Level Up Burgers Food Truck Louise’s Sweets & Treats Nana Bakes LLC New South Hot Dog & Sushi Nicas Grill & Café Nomads Road Dogs Niyah’s Southern Cuisine Soul Food O Taste & See BBQ Park and Perk LLC Ramona J’s Sherrie’s Kitchen Tennessee Kettle Corn Teresita’s Tamales The Lunch Wagon LLC Tropical Sno Meridianville Vujee Vegan Wafel-Bitte

“This area helps businesses and organizations explain their diverse products and services. From health and wellness, insurance, pet services, performing arts, civic and community groups, nature and wildlife . . . to name a few.”

MIDTOWN MADISON

will be the destination to

visit with Madison’s Mayor, council members, public works employees or city engineers, along with police officers and firefighters. Don’t miss their booths at Church and Front streets’ intersection. Ask questions, and check out their materials. The coordinator for this area are Gina Romine. If you need specific information about the Madison Street Festival, there is a place for that too. Stop by the MSF INFORMATION trailer in the parking lot for Animal Trax/The Glass Company. MSF President McBrayer said an MSF volunteer can answer questions about the festival, charge a cell phone or find a location within the festival. Of course, a great source of information is the Madison Street Festival website at www.madisonstreetfestival.org.

LifeSouth will attend for the second annual ELBERT BALCH MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE. Balch was a longtime MSF supporter, and blood donations will respect his memory. Bloodmobiles will park at Animal Trax on Church Street.

The American Legion Post 229 will have a display this year in Veteran’s Park, which is located in the center of the festival.

Exciting exhibits included in the Madison Street Festival

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

placards. Don’t miss the flag-raising ceremony in the park that will take place right after our opening ceremonies. MADISON STATION QUILT GUILD will be at the festival again this year in the ROUND HOUSE next to Veterans Park.

The Madison Station Quilters originated in 2009 and have blessed the Madison Street Festival with their beautiful display of quilts under the Round House. Members will be there working on quilts so that you can see them in action and learn about all the guild has to offer. You can also tour the upstairs of the Round

See MSF EXHIBITS Page 7B

Behind the Scenes

A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to pull off the successful festival each year

MADISON – If you have lived in Madison or North Alabama for any amount of time you probably know the Madison Street Festival quite well, but do you know the people behind the festival?

The festival has made a name for itself as a premier fall event in the South, and a committee of dozens of hard-working volunteers has made that possible for over forty years.

Crystal McBrayer, the president of the Madison Street Festival, heads a committee of forty-three volunteers that work year-round to put the festival together and execute its charitable mission.

“We start meeting at the beginning of the year, and we work twelve months out of the year on different aspects of the organization,” McBrayer says. “So, when we take a little break around the holiday time, we come back at the beginning of the year and we focus on distributing the grants that we were able to award from the last festival. So then, that works and from that point on it’s the behind-the-scenes kind of thing, making sure our registration procedures and policies are in place.”

As McBrayer described, planning for the next year begins almost as soon as the festival ends. The army of volunteers hit the ground running in January with plans for that year’s festival. The first months of the year are filled with acquiring sponsorships and setting up vendor registration. The last two months before the festival are dedicated to mapping out the more than ten different sections and the vendor lineup and working out the logistics of transportation and supplies ahead of time.

Things start picking up even more the week of the festival as volunteers sometimes pull off thirteen or fourteen hour days to coordinate the process and traffic of set-up and loading of supplies in downtown.

A generous, local sponsor cares for the hard-working volunteers and

vendors the week of by supplying food, and the Madison City Public Works and Police Departments pitch in, as well, to support traffic and logistics for a smooth and safe festival day for volunteers, vendors, and attendees alike.

All in all, the festival requires the generosity, enthusiasm, and time of so many people, or as McBrayer put it, “It’s really quite a juggernaut with a lot of puzzle pieces but when the puzzle pieces are put together, it really is quite beautiful.”

This year is the festival’s forty-first year. It is the second festival since coming back from the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s expected to be bigger and better than ever.

“We’ve got a strong committee this year. This festival this year probably has ten to fifteen percent more participants than we’ve ever had. It will be the biggest festival we’ve ever had,” McBrayer predicted, and based on the vendor registration filling up forty percent of each section’s capacity within only the first week of registration, her prediction is looking spot on.

The festival has twenty-eight sponsors this year and two-hundred eighty-six participating vendors. All the hard work of the volunteers and vendors ultimately benefits Madison education programs. The non-profit aspect of the festival was founded specifically to raise money for Madison City Schools. Today, it continues to benefit Madison City Schools but has expanded to include a variety of educational programs throughout the city.

“The reason the non-profit even was brought for the Madison Street Festival and implemented within the organization was to support Madison City Schools. That was the only reason and that was the goal twenty years ago was to create a non-profit where we could give grant money back to Madison City Schools. Now, here we are fast forward to 2023, and our main focus still is a big part of the Madison school system. Fourteen out of the sixteen grants we gave away last year went to Madison City Schools

but we have expanded our reach to the community. So, we have opened it up to other educational programs,” McBrayer explains. “Then we sit down and we read every one of the applications and we see where we can make the biggest impact with the money that we have.”

The festival committee accepts grant applications from qualifying groups from September 1 until October 31. Last year, the committee was able to donate $9,000 to sixteen different programs. The committee spends November reviewing the grant applications and then officially presents the awardees with their grants at a city council meeting in January.

In recent years, the festival has gone even beyond grants to incorporate the local schools and offer students opportunities to grow and use their skills. For example, the festival hosted a photography club for student photographers to practice their photo-snapping skills as official press during the event. It also invited the James Clemens lacrosse team to host a water fundraiser, established a student

art tent to display the work of local students, and welcomes groups from Madison schools every year to march in the parade.

“We’re always trying to find ways to engage and whether in its education, [like] photography, or fundraising, which is what the festival really is and also with the water fundraising or art and showcasing students,” McBrayer stated.

October, November, and December are also filled with reviews of that year’s festival, highlighting the aspects that went well and looking for ways to improve.

McBrayer calls the whole festival experience “a full-circle kind of thing.”

“It’s really cool because it really is a full-circle kind of thing,” she says. “The community rallies for us every year and supports us and pours into us whether it’s through sponsorship or vendors or participants that are spending thousands of dollars in activities to do over in the children’s area. They’re supporting us and they’re loving us and then we’re able to create this event for people to come and experience all of that.”

The festival is a year-round commitment for committee volunteers, but the joy and passion they have for the festival and its charitable mission makes it all worthwhile.

“They are the ones that are creating the magic.” McBrayer says of the forty-three committee volunteers. “They are the ones that are really making it amazing and they work so hard and so passionately and they give so much of their time.”

McBrayer herself has dedicated time and energy in some way to the Madison Street Festival for a total of fifteen years, first as a vendor, later as a committee volunteer, and today as president.

McBrayer described the dedication and generosity of the volunteers, “The community just can’t grasp what they give to make this happen every year, and I’m so proud to be associated with them and to be surrounded by them and to do work with them because they’re just amazing.”

You can follow along with the festival at madisonstreetfestival. org and on Facebook and Instagram @madisonstreetfestival.

2023 Shuttle Schedule

MADISON CITY STADIUM

(211 Celtic Drive)

Shuttle #1 (School Bus)

Starts at 5:45am

Shuttle #2 (MARS Bus)

Starts at 7:00am

CROSSPOINTE CHURCH (78 Hughes Rd)

Shuttle #3 (School Bus)

Starts at 5:45am

Shuttle #4 (MARS Bus)

Starts at 7:00am

ROUTE during parade/street shutdown (8:45am to 10): CrossPointe route will be redirected to the Wise St. drop-off during the parade.

Please remember to pick up your shuttle to CrossPointe Church at the Fellowship of Faith Church on Maple after you have enjoyed the Madison Street Festival.

The MARS Buses are handicap accessible.

HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL MOBILE UNIT will be parked in the drive-thru area of North Alabama Gas on Church St. If you are a pregnant mom who needs a break from the festivities, or you need to feed your little one, don’t miss this facility that Huntsville Hospital has provided for our festivalgoers again this year. Just watch out for dinosaurs.

Exhibits

Continued from page 5B

Madison Station Quilt Guild will return to host their exhibit.

House and view many historic items courtesy of the Madison Historical Society.

MADISON ARTS ALLIANCE will be joining us this year in our Artist Alley Area. They will give festival-

History

goers an opportunity to get their hands dirty with a creative interactive art exhibit. There will be large wooden letters that spell out Madison to paint. Don’t miss this first for the festival!

Continued from page 2B

businesses have contributed and kept the festival free from admission.

In affiliation with the street festival in 1986, volunteers used original drawings from the 19th century to build a replica of the Roundhouse on Front Street. The replica stands at the site of the railroad depot in Madison. The original Roundhouse was built in 1896 on the south side of the railroad tracks and just east of today’s Main Street Cafe.

“In early years, MSF became a 501(c)4 and became incorporated as the festival began to grow.

The mission behind being a non-profit has always been to create a fun, free event to bring our community together. Then, take all profits after hosting the event and give back to our community’s educational programs through grants,” McBrayer said. “We are proud to say that 20 years later, we accomplished a major

(feat) by being approved to move from a 501(c)4 to a full 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We’re looking forward to continuing the legacy of what so many before us wanted: host a great event that is essentially a fundraiser, and then give back to our community’s educational programs through grants,” McBrayer said.

“That is our mission. It takes so many amazing committee members planning all year long to make that happen. Our committee members are the heartbeat and the true hero’s continuing on the legacy of those that came before us,” McBrayer said.

“Every single year since the festival began, we have grown. We are proud of who we are in 2023, and we are passionate about securing our legacy to continue another 41 years,” McBrayer said.

For more, visit madisonstreetfestival.org.

Alison James earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Auburn University, graduating in 2012. She began her career in community journalism in Alexander City and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

John Few,

contributing writer

John Few has been in the field of newspaper journalism and production for nearly 25 years. John has served as a staff writer for The Demopolis Times, the daily newspaper in West Alabama, and editor for the weekly newspaper the Black Belt Gazette. He was transferred in 2009 to begin his coverage of Madison. In covering the City of Madison the past 10 years, John has reported on several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

Bob

College

Football Picks of the Week

CONTACT

contributing writer

Bob Labbe is a lifelong resident of the Huntsville community. He has been in the local news media for 48 years, a multi-award-winning journalist in television, radio and print media. He is a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and has been nominated for both the Alabama Press Association and Alabama Music halls of fame. Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ in The Years, for 29 years on WLRH-FM Public Radio. He has also been a local high school basketball referee for 28 years and was a high school football referee for 15 years. Bob is an avid sports fan and collector of 45 rpm records. He once boxed Muhammad Ali and was the reporter who asked the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Intergraph Corporation in 1990 with wife Brenda and son Andy. For 15 years Gregg wrote for “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Huntsville Times.” His articles have been published in numerous chamber of commerce publications, “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, contributing writer

Erin Coggins is a scholastic journalism adviser and history teacher at Sparkman High School. She is also a freelance writer and public relations consultant. Her writing muse is World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom she fell in love with while a student studying communications at the University of Alabama. Erin and her husband Jamie reside in Madison.

Joshua Berry, photographer

Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.