Fall Comes Alive in Downtown Madisonville

Madisonville Main Street is welcoming fall with a full calendar of activities and plenty of opportunities for the community to shop, explore, volunteer and celebrate together throughout September and October.

The Madisonville Farmers & Makers Market will continue every Thursday from 5-8pm through September and 4-7pm through October at Memorial Park, bringing local farmers, makers, food vendors and more downtown each week.  Thanks to SafePath and Monroe Area Council for the Arts, live music will continue to be on stage during each market day.

On Monday, September 14, the Downtown Madisonville Alliance Design Committee will host a Community Decorating & Beautification Day to add some extra fall touches and help downtown look its best for the upcoming festivities.

Beautification and community involvement are an important part of the Downtown Madisonville Alliance's mission, and the effort also highlights its partnership with Keep Monroe County Beautiful, whose director serves as chair of the Alliance Design Committee.

Community members, businesses, churches, civic groups and students are invited to lend a hand. Those who may not be able to volunteer are also encouraged to consider donating an in-kind service, equipment or materials. Pressure washing, landscaping, cleaning and other services that can help downtown shine are welcome.

“This is about community pride and going the extra mile for a place we all share,” said Madisonville Main Street Director Karen Carey. “Whether you can give an hour of your time or have a service you would like to contribute, the Alliance would love to have you join in.”

Anyone interested in helping can email Julie Turner, committee chair, at [email protected].

Shoppers will have even more opportunities to hunt for something unique during Madisonville Trade Day on September 19 and October 3. Trade Day brings vendors together downtown with everything from vintage and secondhand finds to handmade goods, collectibles and more, adding another reason to spend the day exploring Madisonville.

September 14 also kicks off public voting for the annual Downtown Madisonville Scarecrow Stroll, with creative scarecrows displayed throughout downtown through October 31.  The top four winners will receive Mad Money to spend in downtown, so get out there and vote for your favorites!

Businesses, organizations, schools, groups and community members are invited to get creative, while residents and visitors can stroll downtown throughout the season and vote for their favorites.  Register your scarecrow at www.visitmadisonvilletn.com (click the events tab).

The Fall Crawl returns Thursday, September 24, from 5–8 p.m., with an evening centered around having fun while supporting local small businesses.

Tickets are $20, and every dollar from ticket sales is reinvested downtown through activities and merchandise purchased from downtown businesses and Market vendors exclusively for ticket holders.  Tickets can be purchased at VisitMadisonvilleTN.com or through downtown retailers.

Every ticket holder receives $5 in Mad Money to spend downtown, and door prizes purchased from local businesses and market vendors will be given away every 15 minutes throughout the evening. Participating businesses will add to the fun with their own ticket-holder exclusives, treats, activities and specials.  Hiwassee Bruderhof is once again offering a hay ride shuttle around town, and the Madisonville Fire Dept. will have a firepit ready for ticket holders to enjoy free smores. 

“Fall Crawl is designed to be a win for everyone,” Carey said. “Ticket holders get a great experience and some amazing merchandise, while those ticket dollars go right back into supporting our small businesses. We also hope people discover places during Fall Crawl that they'll continue visiting long after the event is over.”

Fall festivities wrap up with Halloween in the City on Saturday, October 31, from 5–7 p.m., featuring downtown trick-or-treating and Halloween fun, followed by a special movie night at 7pm hosted by Madisonville Main Street. 

Businesses, churches, organizations and community groups are invited to participate by setting up downtown and handing out candy free of charge. Halloween vendor participation is coordinated by the Downtown Madisonville Association. To participate, contact Susan Saunders at 423-261-5140.

October 31 will also be the final day of the Scarecrow Stroll and the last opportunity to see the displays and vote for favorites, then it’s on to Christmas on the Square!  Be sure to follow our Madisonville Main Street Facebook page to keep up with new and exciting updates.