Business & Tech

Madison Residents Home for the Holidays

Borough groups come together to put on Black Friday event.

Walking in downtown Madison could be good for more than just taking off some of the Thanksgiving pounds come Black Friday.

For the first time, all of the fanfare residents have come to expect on the day after Thanksgiving – as well as many new features – will be packaged into one event thanks to the Focus on Foot Traffic committee. Events and specials sponsored by the borough’s Downtown Development Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Arts and Culture Alliance, and others will be part of Home for the Holidays in Madison, which officially kicks off on Friday.

“This brings the focus to downtown,” said Brad Cramer, co-chair of the Public Improvement Committee of the Downtown Development Committee. "I think all of this is to bring people downtown, to gather around downtown.”

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Cramer said it was even more important during this holiday season because, with the state of the economy as it is, the events bring people to look and hopefully shop at downtown businesses.

Friday’s festivities will include the Madison Arts and Culture Alliance’s Holiday Arts Festival, which will run from noon to 9 p.m. and will feature acts at different locations throughout the downtown area.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The MACA sponsored events total close to 20, including a free face-painting and open house at Art in Progress on its third floor.

Judy Mullins, who is on the MACA board and is chair of the Madison Planning Board, said that Friday’s events do more than just offer a fun time to borough and area residents.

“It puts an updated face on the Chamber of Commerce,” Mullins, also the owner of Poor Herbies, said. “It identifies strength in numbers. The members are providing value for the betterment of downtown.”

The Christmas parade and tree lighting will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the parade once again being spearheaded by Carmen Toto and his family.

During the day, members of the Chamber of Commerce will be passing out Winter Savings Books, with coupons good at downtown shops. The books' coupons will be valid through the end of February.

Local student artists will also be part of the festivities, as their holiday paintings will be featured on downtown store windows. Mullins said that the number has risen from six paintings last year to what will be 25 this year.

Those attending will also be able to enjoy cider, cookies and other specialties provided by downtown merchants on the Christmas Walk, which will run from 4 to 7 p.m.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here