Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
The annual Down Homes Days is an event many Madisonians look forward to each year. This year promises to be one of the most memorable events ever. While the final schedule of events surrounding Down Home Days is still being formulated, there are already a few fun and exciting activities planned:
• Thursday, April 24, beginning at 5 p.m., Rotary Club Prime Rib Dinner at the Villa Maria Social Hall, located on Orange Ave., across from Beggs Funeral Home. Tickets are $30, and may be purchased from any Rotary Club member. Tickets will also be available at the door. Dine in or take out.
• Saturday, April 26, 5K and Fun Run. 5K starts at 8 a.m. Registration is $25, and includes a t-shirt if registered by Monday, April 14. Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m.. Registration is $15 and includes a t-shirt if registered by Monday, April 14. Non-runner registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt, North Florida College (NFC) bags and NFC swag. Event check-in and race day registration will be at the Colin P. Kelly Fitness and Wellness Center on the NFC campus, beginning at 7:15 a.m.
• Vendors are still being sought to take part in the big Down Home Days celebration on Saturday, April 26. Vendor applications are due Monday, April 14. Applications are available online at the special Down Home Days website at www.madisondownhomedays.com.
• Everyone loves a parade, and the annual Down Home Days parade is one of the most anticipated events of the year. This year’s parade theme is “Retreat to Vintage Florida.” Participants are encouraged to decorate floats, vehicles, etc. with this theme in mind. Judging of entries will begin on Saturday, April 26, at 9:30 a.m. Floats will be judged in the following categories: Best Overall, Most Creative and Best Reflects the Theme. Lineup will take place at the main entrance of NFC, starting at 8:30 a.m. Placement will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m. The deadline to submit a parade entry is Wednesday, April 23. Please call the Madison County Chamber of Commerce at (850) 973-2788 for more information.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the 44th Annual Down Home Days Festival, culminating on Saturday, April 26, in Downtown Madison. For more information about this year’s Down Home Days Festival, visit www.madisondownhomedays.com.