Volunteers rewarded for boosting Christmas activities – The Madison Record
Alvin M. Keeling
2 min read
MADISON – Volunteers who helped with seasonal downtown activities and the Madison Christmas Parade received awards at the Madison City Council meeting on January 10.
Debbie Overcash, President of the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, congratulated the winners and reported on their participation in 2022. Mayor Paul Finley presented the awards to civic volunteers and business owners who took the time to participate at Christmas contests.
“The Madison Polar Express 2021 is in the books and was the best Christmas Tree Trail yet,” Overcash said. “The Madison Station Historical Preservation Society is delighted to partner with the City of Madison for the annual Polar Express and Christmas Capers.”
The December 12 Christmas capers were a re-enactment of 1934 when merchants in Madison threw live chickens from the roof of a building into crowds on the street. The contemporary version of capers uses rubber chickens with prices valued at over $ 3,000.
Madison Merchants who supplied merchandise, Huntsville International Airport, Finley, Madison City Council, Madison Police Department, Madison Parks and Recreation Department, Madison City Community Orchestra, the Madison’s Rotary Club and DJ Todd Phillips supported the effort, Overcash said.
On December 2, the initial lighting took place for the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail. “Huge crowds gathered downtown to light up the trees. This year’s trail had 58 fantastic trees, which is 18 more trees than in 2020, ”said Overcash.
Overcash thanked everyone who helped including downtown merchants, Madison Public Library, Madison City Community Orchestra for performing at the three events, Finley, Greg Shaw and City Council Kelly Johnson and park and recreation employees.
Three applications were rewarded for the Christmas tree route:
* Honorable Mention – Christen Forsyth Real Estate Team at Capstone Realty. Represented by Valérie Burnett.
* “Most Creative” – Madison Public Library and Friends of the Library. Accepted by Dave Butler and Robyn Mielke.
“Mayor’s Choice Award” – I vote Madison. The contacts are Tara Bailey and Heather Morgan.
In other Christmas festivities, Madison’s Christmas Parade on December 11 returned after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19. The 2022 parade had 60 entries on the theme “The magic of Christmas”.
The parade winners followed the theme:
* “Committee’s Choice Award” – Amy’s stuffed balloons.
* “Holiday Spirit Award” for Most Seasonal Enthusiasm – Girls Scouts of North Central Alabama, Service Unit 212.
* “Silver Bells Award” for the most creative unit – Midtown Baptist Church.
