Down Home Days fast approaching

Rick Patrick

rick@greenepublishing.com

The annual Down Home Days is an event many Madisonians look forward to each year. This year promises to be one of the most memorable events ever. Here are some of the fun and exciting activities you have to look forward to:

• Thursday, April 16, 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 $35 and may be purchased from any Rotary Club member. Tickets will also be available at the door. Dine in or take out. The Rotary Club will also be partnering with Walt’s Live Oak Ford, offering test drives of various vehicles on Saturday, April 18. The test drives are part of Ford’s “Drive 4 UR Community” event. Each test drive will help the Madison Rotary Club send a youngster to the Rotary Youth Camp of North Florida, which is a free summer camp for physically challenged youth.

• Madison Veterinary Clinic will host the Annual Down Home Days Dog Show on Thursday, April 16. Registration takes place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and judging will begin at 6 p.m. Dogs of all sizes, shapes and breeds are welcome. There will be a special category for Unusual Pets, such as farm animals, reptiles, etc. The first 25 registered participants will receive a free gift bag. There will also be a pet photo booth and more. Be sure to participate in the raffle that will benefit local animal services.

• Becky’s Dance Steps Studio will present a special performance on Pinckney Street, in front of the Courthouse Annex on Friday, April 17, beginning at 6 p.m. The performance will feature jazz, tap and ballet dance styles and will be a preview of the studio’s 50th Annual Dance Recital, which is coming up in May.

• The Down Home Days A Capella sing will take place on Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m. The sing will take place at the Madison Church of Christ, located at 199 NE Range Ave., in Madison. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

• Saturday, April 18, 5K and Fun Run. The 5K run starts at 8 a.m. Registration is $25. Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m. Fun Run registration is $15. 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.

• 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 “Feels Like Vintage Florida.” Participants are encouraged to decorate floats, vehicles, etc. with this theme in mind. Judging of entries will begin on Saturday, April 18, 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. Deadline to submit a parade entry is Friday, April 10. Please call the Madison County Chamber of Commerce at (850) 973-2788 for more information.